Is Technology Really The Answer?

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*We live in a world that seems to revolve around technology. From the moment we wake up and check our phones to when we close our eyes at night, tech surrounds us. We use it to communicate, shop, work, learn, and even unwind. It's now deeply woven into every part of our daily lives. But despite all the breakthroughs and smart devices, I often find myself wondering, is technology really the answer to everything?

Don't get me wrong, technology has made life more convenient. It’s easier to connect with loved ones, attend virtual meetings, access information, and even run businesses with just a smartphone. Hospitals now have better machines to diagnose and treat illnesses. Farmers are using tech to improve harvests. Students in remote areas can learn online. These are huge wins that we shouldn’t ignore.

But at what cost?

Let’s talk about communication. Yes, it’s amazing that I can message someone thousands of miles away and get a reply in seconds. But have we noticed how difficult it's become to have real, face to face conversations? We sit in the same room with people and still spend more time looking at our screens than into each other’s eyes. We’re more “connected” than ever, yet somehow lonelier. The human connection, that warmth of being present with someone, is fading and I don’t think any app can replace that.

Then there’s our mental health. Social media, though a great tool when used well, has made a lot of people anxious, insecure, and constantly in competition with others. We’re always scrolling, comparing our behind the scenes with someone else’s highlight reel. Depression, anxiety, and stress levels are on the rise. Ironically, these platforms designed to keep us “happy and connected” are slowly draining the joy out of people.

Let’s not even start with job losses. Automation and AI are improving efficiency, yes. But they’re also replacing real people in workplaces. Bank tellers, cashiers, customer service agents, many roles are slowly being phased out. What happens to the everyday person who relies on those jobs to feed their family? Not everyone has the opportunity or resources to “learn tech skills” or “pivot” into new careers. That’s the bitter truth.

Also, our privacy is constantly being compromised. Our phones track where we go, what we say, and what we like. We’re being monitored more than we care to admit. Ads pop up minutes after we talk about a product. Personal data is sold without our knowledge. We’ve traded privacy for convenience, and I’m not sure we fully understand what that means.

Let’s not forget how addicted we’ve become. Ever tried leaving your phone behind for a few hours? It’s harder than it sounds. Many of us can’t even sit still without reaching for a device. It’s like we need to be entertained 24/7. We’ve forgotten how to be bored, how to sit quietly and just be. And it’s affecting our attention spans, creativity, and even sleep.

Now don’t misunderstand me, I’m not against technology. I use it every single day and I appreciate what it has helped us achieve. But I also believe it’s important to pause and ask critical questions. Are we truly in control of our tech use, or are we slowly becoming slaves to it? Is technology solving real problems, or just creating new ones we’re not ready to face?

We need to start using technology more intentionally. Not everything needs an app or an automated solution. Sometimes, the best answers are human. Empathy. Presence. Time. Listening. These can’t be programmed or downloaded.

So I ask again is technology really the answer to all our problems?*