<p>I know that very many people ask for feedback on their SAT practice essays here, so I figured I'd ask for some too. :)
I'm taking the March SAT this Saturday, actually... so hopefully this helps me. Feel free to offer suggestions for improvement, that would be super-helpful... THANKS IN ADVANCE EVERYONE!!! :D </p>
<p>PROMPT (From the Blue Book, Test #4): </p>
<p>Technology promises to make our lives easier, freeing up time for leisure pursuits. But the rapid pace of technological innovation and the split second processing capabilities of computers that can work virtually nonstop have made all of us feel rushed. We have adopted the relentless pace of the very machines that were supposed to simplify our lives,with the result that, whether at work or play, people do not feel like their lives have changed for the better.</p>
<p>Assignment:
Do changes that make our lives easier not necessarily make them better? </p>
<p>MY ESSAY:</p>
<p>In the past, when technology was limited to the sharp rock a Neanderthal threw at an animal to kill it, changes in technology (perhaps attaching a rock to a stick, to fashion a spear) were quite beneficial. In modern day, however, society has changed drastically with the purpose of simplifying our lives, to the point that technology has displaced the need for much human thought or action. At a certain point, changes that make our lives easier, such as the introduction of new technology, do not necessarily make our lives better. </p>
<p>The 1920s in America ushered in the era of mass consumerism and rapid advances in technology. People were at first excited to get their new radios, automobiles, and washing machines. However, with new technology to do all the work, people for the first time had ample leisure time. However, the human mind and body need action: they cannot remain idle for long without consequences. After the 1920s, depression and suicide levels are consistently rising. People don't know what to do with themselves anymore. </p>
<p>Another example, seemingly simple but actually very telling, is a phenomenon I know from personal experience. Also, like in the events of the 1920s, this issue stems from an introduction of technology that makes tasks easier and frees leisure time. I'm talking about procrastination. To give a specific example, the iPhone, a technology designed to simplify many tasks, allows for the simplification of time-wasting as well. In a few taps one can embark on a marathon viewing session of funny cat videos -- instead of doing useful work. Such procrastination would not be possible if technology like the iPhone had not been introduced in an effort to make things easier. </p>
<p>The aforementioned examples and countless more support the fact that changes that make things easier do not necessarily improve our lives. From the rise of mass consumerism in the 1920s to today's iPhone, one can argue that the introduction of technology has only diminished a human's purpose in life by replacing it with machines. At least the Neanderthal knew his purpose. </p>