Introduction
Modern people live in an era of a technological revolution; new inventions appear almost every day. However, the pace of technological progress significantly accelerates the development of the negative aspects of technology. Such negative changes include global warming, pollution of the planet, and the danger of technology being used for malicious purposes. The modern world must understand that production should become environmentally friendly, and inventions should benefit society.
Personal “Design for the Dump” Story
The “Design for the Dump” problem is familiar to everyone who uses modern technology daily, and I am no exception. It seems to me that this phenomenon is mainly associated with smartphones due to their widespread popularity. A modern person cannot live without a mobile phone; therefore, as soon as it breaks down or starts to work worse, there is an urgent need to buy a new one. Apple is now considered the leading manufacturer, but, unfortunately, its products rarely work longer than three years. Even if the phone works longer, it becomes obsolete; the software stops coming out. I also faced such a situation: my phone stopped working as efficiently as it should after a short time from the moment of purchase. Advertising campaigns, fragility, and obsolescence of functions force buyers, including me, to constantly think about buying a new device.
From my point of view, a great solution to the “Design for the Dump” problem is to make manufacturers responsible for recycling their products. All the gadgets that are not working due to manufacturers’ fault should flood not developing countries but the companies’ warehouses. In that case, they will think more about environmentally friendly production (The Story of Stuff Project 00:05:20-00:06:20). Of course, it also requires a change in consumer mindset so that people do not abandon working appliances to buy newer models pursuing fashion.
Statement Analysis
I absolutely agree with Michio Kaku regarding the dangers of technology. Michio Kaku lists three main threats that humanity may face: creating viruses as weapons, nuclear war, and global warming (Big Think 00:00:00-00:04:50). The current availability of the genetic codes of deadly viruses of the past, and the escalating situation in the world, may lead countries to start using uncontrolled and destructive biological weapons. Advanced developments can fall into the wrong hands and lead to unpredictable consequences for all of humanity. The availability and cost of uranium enrichment equipment could make it possible for almost anyone to assemble a nuclear bomb. Global warming is already negatively affecting our planet, and in the future, it may lead to the flooding of many cities and states due to the melting of glaciers. All these threats are pretty accurate and require attention from the entire world community. The continuation of the unstoppable pace of technological development and the availability of innovations can put humanity in danger of extinction.
Potential Technologies to Create
Thinking about creating new technology, I would like it to be useful for people and environmentally friendly. I would like to see scientists creating innovation in the field of medicine and health care in the near future. Creating a small and high-tech apparatus for the rapid diagnosis of the most widespread diseases would benefit society. If such technology were available to all people, it would simplify the diagnosis and speed up the start of treatment with an increased chance of a successful outcome. Such a device could be placed in a fitness bracelet; an analyzer could screen for major diseases through painless blood sampling. The therapist would not waste time issuing referrals for tests; they would already be stored on the patient’s smartphone. This device would be helpful for people of all ages, helping to determine in time, for example, diabetes, anemia, or even the risk of developing cancer.
I would also like the emergence of new technologies that can make life easier for people with chronic diseases. For example, creating a full-fledged exoskeleton will allow people with disabilities to move freely, even if their limbs do not function properly. A good invention would be a device that helps people take the necessary medicines in a timely manner. Such a device could conclude the state of health and the necessary drugs, as well as deliver them directly to the circulatory system. Such a device would allow people with chronic diseases to live entire lives and not worry about taking medication at a particular time. The innovation would help forgetful people who find it difficult to take their medications at set times. Of course, I would like these technologies to be affordable and not cost too much.
Conclusion
The modern world cannot be imagined without technologies that have firmly entered the daily lives of people. However, both producers and consumers should remember that people do not have a spare planet and try to minimize the negative effect that is created due to technological progress. Only the judicious use of technological advances will allow people to progress truly. It is time to come to environmentally friendly production and conscious consumption so that technologies do not harm people and the planet but benefit them.
Works Cited
“Michio Kaku: The Dark Side of Technology”. YouTube, uploaded by Big Think, 2012. (865) Michio Kaku: The Dark Side of Technology | Big Think – YouTube
“The Story of Electronics”. YouTube, uploaded by The Story of Stuff Project, 2010. (865) The Story of Electronics – YouTube