Technology benefits

Both of these terms are contradictory, yet they lead to each other in today's world. Technology was created to make things easier. But, in some aspects, like the Media, technology has acted like a double-edged sword. Technology has aided in spreading media to places. It has helped people in the remotest corners to get information and be part of the world. But, there are three instances by which technology has not aided the world. One is regarding Perplexity, high costs and information overload.

Perplexity is what you can define in democracies of the world today. Under the garb of giving balanced information, the citizenry are confused and lack any judgement. The political process is then stagnated, and citizens coil in their shell of Apathy. The situation here warrants attention. The issue of information clutter is very evident. Citizens do not know what is right and what is wrong, and thus do not participate. People going to the polls and their attendance over a period of time has declined. The decline is a result of citizens losing faith in their instituitions as well as Media presenting information which is perplexing.

The factor of High costs is very prominent in the Capitalist world today. The basic fact is that Technology can be helpful, but only for those who can afford it. For an ordinary peasent folk or people in the rural areas, basic needs dominate over technology. The fact that Technology comes with a very high proce tends to make it a double edged sword. It can be beneficial and at the same time not enlighten the people.

Information overload is a factor which affects the Haves of society. Like the poor who may not be able to afford technology, the rich are burdened with having too much of information. The Internet, along with the increase in 24 hour satellite news, has led to this situation. The majority will say that is the normal functioning of a LIBERAL DEMOCRACY. I view it as a dangerous plight, for Apathy can weaken the Democratic structure. Information overload can leave Citizens confused, and in today's time, the media might not make things so easy for the Citizens.

What should be done? If Information is streamlined in less numbers, then everyone will shout out that State Control of Broadcasting is back. If the press makes it too black or white, then they loose trust and are considered biased. Technology, like a double edged sword, has even spilled out into the solutions. Any solution which goes against the dictum of technology is termed irrational.

However, one must emphasis that One to one personal communication is essential. How much technology might have saved time, there is nothing better than one-on-one communication. Human beings understand about various processes through personal communication. The early town hall meetings would make sense at this time because democracy needs people to function. If people can contribute ideas in person, then democracy might be rejuvenated.

Technology is useful in parts, but it should not be made central to the whole process. Technology is afterall a human creation, and we humans must ensure that it does not take us over.