The Impact Of Technology On The Environment

Technology is a great invention. We rely on computers for business and pleasure; from personal to professional. Computers have even changed the way we communicate with each other. Computers allow us to communicate instantly and easily with one another; it has helped us connect to people far away and far apart.

The computer is not the only part of the technology that has had the bad effects upon our lives, others have had just as many. Technological Change affects us all. Experts have discovered that although technology makes life easier, it can also be quite addicting and can affect communication skills. It has been found that while many people can type well, many people cannot do so because of the distraction caused by the fast pace of technology. In addition, when a person sits at a desk for long periods of time, the muscles in the neck and back begin to relax. While relaxing the back and neck muscles can stretch out the neck and cause pain in the neck and upper back.

One of the most common effects of technology on our lives has been the effect it has had on sleep. Many people have become accustomed to waking up immediately in the morning and finding themselves pressed up against the glass of the alarm clock, wishing they could slip into bed earlier. Sleeping pills have also increased in popularity because many people find the effects of sleeping pills to be addictive and difficult to stop. Unfortunately, sleeping pills cause the same effects that electronic devices do, such as restlessness and irritability.

Another negative effect of technology on our lives is related to social skills. Because many people live so closely to technology, they must socialize within their own technological environment. Because of the difficulty that people have in successfully connecting with others, they find it increasingly difficult to build relationships within the group of people that they know and care about. This can leave them feeling isolated and without any emotional support as they try to learn more about themselves and their new surroundings. As technology makes itself more readily available to everyone, the disconnection from friends and family becomes greater and the negative effects of technology become more pronounced.

Carbon dioxide emissions are a major negative impact of modern day technological advancements. Because the emissions of carbon dioxide make up a large percent of the greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere, the cumulative effect of all these emissions makes a very large negative impact on the environment. Because individuals have become so reliant on cell phones, computers and other forms of electronic gadgets, the increased use of energy and electronics have contributed to the increase of carbon dioxide emissions as well as global warming. In addition to the negative impact that carbon dioxide emissions have on the environment, another common effect of technology is the increased consumption of non-renewable resources, such as coal. In addition to the negative impact that carbon dioxide has on the environment, technological advancements that are detrimental to the environment are becoming more common.

Advances in technology have also led to advancements in negative environmental technologies as well. The increased use of GPS technology in vehicles has led to the increase in the amount of time that vehicles are offline, as well as in the increase in fuel consumption. Vehicle emissions have increased dramatically as well, with the use of natural gas and other fuel sources increasing the amount of pollution released into the atmosphere even more. Another form of technology that increases the level of air pollution in the planet is through the use of fluorescent lights. These lights are so bright that they actually magnify the glare of the sun, which is then reflected back into the driver's eyes.

The impact of technology on the environment is not only seen in the technological advancements that have been made but is also present in the products that we use and the disposal of materials that we discard as non-recyclable. Materials such as plastic bags, aluminum cans and polystyrene are often thrown away without being composted or recycled. Recycling programs for plastic bags have led to the creation of more synthetic plastics that are harmful to the environment, whereas recycling efforts for aluminum cans and polystyrene have created millions of environmentally friendly devices such as water bottles and other containers. Both of these alternatives have reduced the amount of landfill waste that ends up in our dumps and supports more environmental sustainability efforts.

With all of the technology available to us today, it is easy to see why so much emphasis is placed on the positive environmental effects of technology. From computer monitors that save energy to air conditioners that keep a room cool, there are many ways that technology can benefit us in both the short and the long term. As the older generations get older and the baby boomer generation enters its golden years, the impact of technology on the environment is only going to grow and become greater. As consumers, it is our responsibility to take an active role in shaping the future of technology and preserving the earth for our children and grandchildren.