<p>Hi! This is my first time writing SAT essays, so if someone could please grade this/give me constructive criticism, that would be fabulous :) thank you so much!</p>
<p>Our world today is moving at such a fast pace that it has become increasingly difficult to keep up. Apple's new Macbooks and latest iPod models continue to emerge causing previous versions to seem inferior. Scientists are also working on new technologies every day including virtual reality systems and appliances that supposedly make our lives "easier. However, one should stop and consider when all this progress will be enough. As shown through the nations' detrimental obsession with Facebook and texting, one can see that inventions that seemingly create convenience are not necessarily beneficial in the long run.</p>
<p>Facebook has become increasingly popular in our world today with over 1 billion users and more by the second. It has become its own reality, creating a world where users can construct their own identity by choosing what to show and what not to reveal to their community of friends. But despite the convenience that Facebook brings in connecting faraway peers, it is still dangerous. Studies show that human attention spans have decreased significantly due to our ability to reach Newsfeeds and skim through various friends' profiles within the blink of an eye. In addition, with this virtual life, live human interaction has lost much of its value. Rather than speaking face-to-face, people have been finding comfort in speaking about awkward situations behind the screen of a computer. Some may argue that Facebook has made communication easier, but it is naive to think so. Facebook was chipped away at our ability to convey thoughts without a keyboard and virtual shield.</p>
<p>Text messaging is also another form of technology that has wielded more negative impacts than positive. While an instant messaging system in the palm of one's hand may make communication easier, it also distracts humans from focusing on their surroundings. A large percentage of car accidents can be attributed to this technology, because drivers pay more attention to the virtual reality of texting than to the road. Another example occurs often in high school - teenagers can be found texting others even when they are already among live human presence. This technology has certainly made life more convenient, but its positive impacts do not make up for its negative.</p>
<p>It may be exciting to discover new things as time goes on, but it may not be for the better. New technologies, especially with inventions related to communication have caused an inordinate amount of human dependence. When accepting the latest gadgets, one must be wary of the potential harmful effects that they can wield.</p>