My very first class in SMU - TWC, consisted of a self-introductory session, Shift Happens video, Guns, Germs and Steel video and open discussions on a couple of ideas including creativity, innovation, invention ; technology is easy, people are hard.
The class started off with Prof Gurinder showing us a video - Shift Happens. Several interesting facts were showcased in this video which I was never aware of. The part which struck me the most is when the video threw us some facts and asked us to name the country. The answer was England, in 1900. I found this point very intriguing because it has not only shown how technology has caused rapid change to the world but also how technology could affect the rate a country progresses. Countries with relatively advanced technology would of course have a faster progress than countries with less advanced technology thus, the disparity of rate of development among the developed countries, developing countries and underdeveloped countries today. But does this mean by having the most advanced technology, you would be the most developed country? No. It is irrefutable that technology brings development to the country, however after this point where you already own the technology, it all boils down to how you manage and effectively use the technology to your advantage to develop your country. Afterall, as known to many, technology is a double-edged sword.
This brings me to another insightful quote that Prof Gurinder brought up during class - "Technology is easy. People are hard." Yes, technology is easy because it is already there. Even if you do not know how to use it, all you need is a manual. People are hard because everyone has their own mindsets and habits. It is tough for people to change their mindset or living habits and step out of their comfort zone to challenge themselves by using and embracing the new technology. And the way they use the technology might differ, thus bringing about both good and bad consequences. However, I'm skeptical about whether this will still be the case in years to come. Given that the knowledge that we have of the technologies today might soon be outdated and non-applicable due to the progress in technologies, coupled with the large amounts of money pumped into research in technology today, the various discoveries found or new inventions invented might be too difficult for a layman or the human brain to comprehend how the technology works, how to use the invention or maybe even what to do with it. Hence, one day it may become "People are easy. Technology is hard."
Another point which I thought was really interesting was the idea of luddites. A luddite is someone who opposes of technological progress. When this term was brought up by Prof Gurinder, I was appalled to find out that there are people who do not support technological change. It is prevalent that technology has become indispensable in our daily lives be it for transportation, communication, business, leisure activities or other uses. Everything we have or use right now is a product of technology. For instance, from a click away to retrieve information via the Internet to the X-ray and MRI machine which detects abnormalities in our bodies, the products of technology has brought immense convenience to us and changed the way we live. Also, governments have invested a large portion of their budget to developing new technologies and improving old technologies for this will keep their country in a competitive state in today's rapidly changing economy. This shows that almost everyone is embracing technology and learning how to use and live with it. For if you do not, you'll be left behind. Thus, I cannot conceive the idea of people not being in favour of (new) technology. Undoubtedly, technology has its negative effects too like over-reliance on the use of technology, internet addiction, replacement of human labour with machines hence causing people to lose their jobs etc. However, I believe that the technology has impacted us positively more than negatively.
Since technology has became an imperative part of us, one issue I hope could be further discussed would be if humans today have become slaves of technology. Could this be the reason why some people choose to be luddites?
Overall, I would rate the session 8/10 for the insightful discussions we had during class and the interesting videos showcased. :)
I agree that it could be the fact that we have become slaves of technology that led to people becoming Luddites. They could also be skeptical of the health benefit that technology brings about. Just consider GM food. Some people believes that GM food has a long term damage to our health. Thus this could be one of the many reasons that led to people shunning from technology.
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