Thinking About Technology...

While reading The Gutenberg Elegies, I found the language pretentious and over my head. In my opinion, the book had an overly pessimistic attitude and wrongfully bashed all technology. I was an avid Facebook user and experienced anxiety whenever detached from my phone. I became irritated with Birkert’s negative feelings toward technology. When I read “The Paper Chase,” I immediately experienced a change of heart. I respect Birkerts for taking risks in order to do what he loves. It is apparent that he loves books and feels an obligation to preserve their existence. I became more aware of how technology impacts my life and the way I read. I never realized how technology plays such a large role in my life. I also changed my opinion and no longer considered all technology to be inherently good.

The way we read and interpret text influences the way we see the outside world. After reading “The Owl Has Flown,” I became aware of many of my “skimming tendencies” and I now make a conscious effort to slow down while reading. I notice that while reading off a screen, these tendencies become even more evident. To become a wiser individual, practicing reading difficult literature and thinking vertically is fundamental. And in order for one to gain knowledge, they also must have a deep understanding of the literature.

At times, technology can negatively influence learning and knowledge. Today, people are so hung up on incorporating technology in the classroom that the quality of education is sometimes compromised. When students struggle through difficult literature, they gain a better understanding and, thus, obtain more information. With new technology, we do not have to think as deeply and as a result, may not be as knowledgeable as people were in the past.

I have personally become a slave to technology without even realizing it. I will not lie and pretend that I no longer go on Facebook or have stopped texting; I do try to limit the amount of time I spend on the Internet and my phone, but, doing so is much easier said than done. In today’s society, it is extremely difficult to even go a single day without using technology. If one tries to do so, their behavior is considered irresponsible and selfish; it becomes extremely difficult to get in contact with that individual. It is also considered foolish because one cannot receive sometimes-vital information.

After reading the elegies, I had an epiphany and realized that I don’t want to become another mindless consumer who is easily sold on the latest, greatest thing. I now consider how these new technologies may impact my ability to learn and gain new knowledge. Technology is changing the way we receive information and our ability to think independently is crucial. We should not become so dependent on technology that we no longer think for ourselves. By continuing to read, we will gain the knowledge necessary to make good decisions for ourselves and future generations to come.

-Kelsey Olinik