Tembani P. Thebe
Science and Technology reporter
Technology has fundamentally reshaped our existence, weaving itself into the very fabric of our daily routines. Its impact is a complex tapestry, imaging both profoundly positive and deeply challenging effects on modern society.
Perhaps the most notable change is in our way of communicating. Unlike during the old ages, interaction has been escalatedly improved to a certain level. To be quite specific, social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Skype, Zoom, Telegram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube enable people to connect instantly across the world globally, fostering relationships and sharing information at an unprecedented scale.
As one Harare-based sociologist noted,
“These tools have collapsed geographical barriers, but the challenge is whether they are building deeper understanding or just creating louder echo chambers.”
Beyond communication, technology is the most useful tool to access information. The internet provides vast resources for education and research, empowering students, professionals, and curious minds to resolve various cases, either academically or in other fields like law firms.
This democratization of knowledge is revolutionary.
The advancement of healthcare has been particularly showcased through innovations like telemedicine, which allows patients to consult doctors remotely. This is especially beneficial in rural areas with limited access to specialists or during emergencies, for instance, during the COVID era.
“Telemedicine wasn’t just a convenience during the pandemic; it was a lifeline for countless Zimbabweans,” remarked a representative from the Health Ministry.
Furthermore, technology is a powerful ally in protecting our environment. Technologies like satellite imaging and sensors help monitor climate change, track deforestation, and manage natural resources more effectively, keeping surveillance updated to help communities cater for themselves. This critical monitoring role is even protected by our laws, under the Environmental Management Act (Chapter 20:27).
However, this innovation has a darker side. The very tools that connect us globally can lead to social isolation. The increased use of smartphones and social media can lead to decreased face-to-face interactions, resulting in feelings of loneliness and anxiety for some individuals. Even during family time, the bonding is now often on the gadgets rather than with each other.
Economically, the rise of automation and artificial intelligence presents a significant threat. These technologies can lead to job losses in sectors like manufacturing and customer service, where machines and artificial silos replace human labour, leading to widespread job displacement and economic uncertainty.
Our digital lives also come with heightened risks. Data breaches and cyberattacks, such as the monumental Equifax breach in 2017, continuously compromise personal information and can lead to identity theft and fraud, causing financial and psychological harm that disturbs an individual’s health due to relentless cyberthreats and bullying.
This connects directly to mental wellbeing. Excessive gaming or social media use can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems, particularly among young people, leading to addiction and serious mental health issues that communities are still struggling to address.
Finally, the physical cost of our digital progress is e-waste. The relentless production and disposal of electronic devices contribute to a growing environmental hazard, which poses significant dangers to soil and water when not managed properly, as outlined in our environmental statutes.
The question remains: is this rewiring for better or for worse? The answer, it seems, is a profound and challenging both.
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