<p>Could anyone grade and critique this? All help is welcome!
Assignment: Are there benefits to be gained from avoiding the use of modern technology, even when using it would make life easier?</p>
<p>Are there benefits to be gained from avoiding the use of modern technology, even when using it would make life easier?
Technology has completely revolutionized how world over the past few decades. Still, some people adamantly cling to traditional methods, often choosing seemingly antiquated ways to accomplish something. This is not irrational; the benefits of outdated methods often outweigh the difficulty involved.</p>
<p>Despite modern technologys ease of use, it has numerous negative effects. Chief amongst these is the lack of appreciation for knowledge it brings. Fifty years ago, our grandparents would have gone to the library in search of knowledge. Nowadays, information is no farther than out computers. While the ease of access may seem positive, we no longer value our knowledge as we once did when we simply use the Internet to obtain it. Knowledge is best gained through traditional methods, since the time and effort it required gave it actual vale. Now, knowledge has been cheapened, and we are far more likely to forget facts, knowing that the Internet is always available to replenish our minds. The continued existence of libraries attests to this. Although individuals can easily download books, they still choose to go to the library and research. The effort involved gives the knowledge we reap value. A study by the US Memory Profiling Institute illustrates how people who frequent libraries, as opposed to using the Internet, have on average 35% better memories. This is not solely due to the intellectualism prevalent amongst those who use libraries. Such people naturally remember more because their knowledge has value as a result of the effort required to obtain it. Not using technology thus has monumental benefits far outweighing ease of use.</p>
<p>Beyond ones individual appreciations, however, modern technology oversimplifies and thus weakens traditional systems. To make life easier, new advances often destroy minute yet significant facets of supposedly outdated systems, which detracts from their overall meaning. If a system is oversimplified for ease of use, then it loses the qualities that make it unique and meaningful. Mail, for instance, was not completely eradicated by emails ubiquity. Far the oppositetraditional post is still common because of the feelings and emotions one can put into a letter. These cannot be duplicated, and by destroying the facets of emotion and profundity behind traditional mail, email became simplified, but also lost meaning. The same holds true for talking face to facethe advent of the telephone did not entirely detract from talking in person. People still talk in person, because ones emotions and range of character traits are not captured through a headset and speakers.</p>
<p>Appreciation and values always transcend convenience and ease of use. Traditional methods of life, while seemingly archaic, are meaningful because the grant individuals with a proper appreciation for the world around us. This is essential, because by appreciating our surroundings we make a better world and grow into better people.</p>