Technology is a Tool, Let’s Wield it Well
By: Benjamin Rhodes
Tags: Technology, History Of Computing, Computers, Tools, Tech Is A Tool

In the stories, Cymoril is the beloved of Elric…[who was] transformed into a fearsome wizard emperor by dint of a magic sword called Stormbringer. To Max, the fictional sword was a metaphor for the power of a computer — properly wielded, it might turn an ordinary man into a king. But for Elric, Stormbringer was also a curse: He was bound to the sword, fought to tame it, and was ultimately mastered by it instead (Poulsen 7).

Technology has brought power to the fingertips of the common folk.

What was once a tool wielded by the rich, academics, and bureaucracy, technology has brought power to the fingertips of the common folk. What once took hours or even days, can now be accomplished within seconds. Lives have been forever changed, and nearly every single individual on Earth has been touched in some way.

Computers surround us. They inhabit large boxes in our homes and small boxes in our pockets. They are integrated with the simplest household appliances. Washers, dryers, refrigerators, and even many of our light bulbs contain these powerful machines. Modern cars could not operate without a host of computers.

All of these devices communicate. Data flashes all around us at blazing speeds never once thought possible. Less than 150 years ago, the phone brought about a revolution (“1870s-1940s-Telephone”). For the first time in history, humans could talk — hear each other’s voices — across hundreds or even thousands of miles. Gone were the days of tireless trips across the wilderness to hear from loved ones, often relegated only to infrequent letters. This technology was revolutionary, but the Internet…it was far beyond revolutionary. 150 years since the telephone, we not only hear from our loved ones, we see them.

Emails can reach recipients in seconds. Sending emails across the globe? No problem, within minutes or even seconds, your message will be received. The Internet changed the way we learn and entertain. Suddenly the knowledge of humanity became a collective knowledge. The low classes could read the news, participate with others, and learn from the world’s most brilliant minds.

Today, the Internet continues to shape life on Earth. In 2016, it was reported that there were an estimated 17.68 billion Internet-connected devices (“Internet of Things…”). Think about that number, 17.68 billion! The current world population sits at just over 7.1 billion people (“U.S. and World Population…”). That means just over 2 devices per person on Earth! This number is only expected to grow, reaching upwards of 75 billion devices by 2025 (“Internet of Things…”). These numbers are truly astonishing.

Technology has caused a lot of problems. It has been used to steal, lie, and destroy lives, economies, and even nations.

Computers have forever changed life on Earth. They have brought about many good things. Knowledge sharing and increasing ease of communication has saved lives and created new inventions, cures, and connections. However, technology has caused a lot of problems. It has been used to steal, lie, and destroy lives, economies, and even nations. New methods of warfare have been developed and every day thousands of people suffer from damaged social relationships, lack of privacy, and, as some studies have reported, impaired cognitive development (Quaglio, “How the Internet…”).

How are we to make sense of all this? What and where is the balance between the good and bad of technology? Is there anything we can do?

Hi, my name is Benjamin and I’m a geek. I love computers and have been surrounded by them throughout my entire life. I eagerly looked over my dad’s shoulder as he installed a new copy of Windows XP or Microsoft Flight Simulator. Sure, I’m a product of the late ’90s, but the technology of my childhood is still nostalgic. The sound of a screeching dial-up modem still brings up memories of PBSKids.org and insanely long video downloads just so my siblings and I could hear “Scooby-Dooby-Doo, Where are You?” theme songs. (The wait was well worth it.)

Technology and computers shaped my childhood as they shaped the lives of those around me. As I grew, I knew I was destined for a career centered around technology. It was fun and it was powerful. I too have used technology for much good, but also for much bad.

I began to see technology for what it really was…a tool. Technology is a tool.

Around the time I was in college, pursuing a degree in Information Systems, I began to see technology for what it really was…a tool. Technology is a tool. It’s a very powerful tool. Just like a sword, gun, hammer, or crowbar are all tools, computers can be wielded in much the same way. A hammer can be used to injure and hurt, but it can also be used to build structure and protection. Similarly, the Internet, computers, and technology can be used to hurt and destroy, or it can be used to heal and build-up.

I quickly developed an interest in finding this intersection of technology. How could technology be used for good and the betterment of our world? More specifically, how could I use technology for good?

I’m going to be honest, I don’t know. I haven’t discovered it yet. However, my search for it led me to this blog. I consider this avenue one of the best ways to discover and learn more about technology. Not only could frequent research cause me to grow, I could use technology as a method to share my journey with others. As I learn, research, and discover, others could follow along and maybe I could inspire others to learn as well.

Computers have certainly changed my life, your life, and the lives of the millions and billions of humans who will follow us. We have an obligation to use it for the better. We can use it to grow and expand while developing new skills and uses. We truly live in an exciting time. I can’t wait to move forward.

Our journey will start at the very dawn of computer science, thousands of years ago.

I hope I have piqued your interest. I’ll be explaining my goals and plans over the next couple of weeks. I hope to offer a new blog each week where I’ll be diving deeper into the world of technology. Our journey will start at the very dawn of computer science, thousands of years ago.

Until then, I encourage you to get connected. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and click the “bell” icon to be notified as soon as a new video is shared. Follow me on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter), where I’ll be active daily.