What's Wrong With Technology?

How many times have you been scolded for being on your phone? Personally, I'm been reprimanded constantly from my mother, as I'm sure most teenagers have been. I've discovered that often the people criticizing the use of technology are the same people who are incapable of utilizing it.

I don't understand why so many adults are convinced technology has a negative influence on our lives. Like all things, of course, there are adverse traits, but the amount of technological advances we've experienced over the years is incredible. 

There are cars being sold now that run without gasoline. People can search for cancer with only a simple blood test. Printers exist that can develop 3D objects – scientists are even trying to print live organs for donation. The technology in our world today is absolutely amazing.

I understand that most adults aren't complaining about this. Majority of the people who whine about technology are directing their issue toward teenagers, a group of kids who are known for being completely obsessed with their screens. But why is this so bad? Sure, it's not easy for most of us to go a day without utilizing technology, but that is the world we live in. We are the generation that is going to grow up and invent the flying cars and mechanical surgeons that save lives. We are the generation that is going to use our knowledge and our technically-savvy minds to fix holes in our planet. Technology is not a bad thing, so stop treating it like it is.

Look how many positive things come from technology!!!!
Image Credit

And if you're the type of person that scolds others for being on their phones in public, shame on you. You don't know what they're looking at. Maybe they're reading a letter from their Grandma who just passed away, studying for a geography test or looking at pictures of their old friends that don't live near them anymore. Maybe they had a shit day and all they want to do is sit peacefully on the bus and play a cat game. Good for them.

If you think that a teenager (or any person, really) should look up from their cellphones and absorb the world around them, please shut up. Technology is not ruining our lives, and seeing a person on their phone in public is not "sad." It's common. It's useful. It's necessary. We live in a world surrounded by technology, so if you're against that then I'm pretty sure it's your own fault. 

A/N: This is kind of harsh. It started out as a rant toward my mother concerning her constant lectures for being on my phone… I got a bit carried away.

Settle For Less

A student comes home with their final report card, disappointed in some aspects but somewhat proud. They've received mostly A's and B's, along with a single D but that doesn't really bother them. They worked hard this semester and are fairly pleased with their good grades.

The second they enter the kitchen their mom/dad asks to see their report card. As a parent, their eyes go directly to the D. Their first response is immediately "You got a D in History?" because that's what they see. That's what doesn't fulfill their expectations.

As a student, their parent's retaliation seems heart crushing. The student didn't think it was that bad. One D, they thought. My other grades were all good, they thought.

It's disturbing that most adults focus on kids' failures as opposed to their successes.

This is true in all situations. This is the reason that adults constantly ridicule the younger generation for everything; technology, for example, is not appreciated for being impressive and revitalizing – it's scoffed upon for being distracting. This is the reason that kids don't feel appreciated for their hard work.

This comes up on Google Images if you search "parents clipart"
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It's not just parents, either. Everyone does this. All people subconsciously focus in on the substandard things rather than admiring what they have achieved. All people work a harder to become something more; all people strive to be good enough.

So, is it ever going to be good enough? Or does everyone keep reaching for a report card…an approving smile…a lifestyle…that's unachievable? If the student works hard enough, will their parents ever look at them and say they're perfect? And if they say it, are they lying? Of course it could be better; it could always be better. No matter what it is, you could achieve more.

For some people this is inspirational. If you can always improve, then there's always something to reach for. This is a form of motivation.

For others, however, this reality is immensely defeating. No matter how hard you work, how fast you climb, or how hard you try, you'll never reach the absolute maximum of human accomplishment.

So settle for less. Do everything to your best ability, and be proud of yourself for it. Look at your report card and think, hey, I worked really hard on this. Don't ever deride yourself for not being good enough, and don't let anyone degrade you for your pride.