CABILLA, RHEA MARIE Science, Technology and Society

BSMT I – E November 13, 2018

“WORLD’S GREATEST INVENTIONS”

A reflection paper

One of the most prominent features of the present century is the progress of science and
its effect on almost every aspect of our lives. Throughout the years, there have been hundreds
of inventions that have been created to change our way of life. It is difficult for us to point out
which inventions changed the world the most. Basically, there is not a single invention that is
more important than the others because they all contribute to the significant effects of change
and evolution. For others, it has to be electricity; to some, it’s the television; while others believe
that it’s the computer; and for today, humankind considers the internet as the greatest invention
of all time. However, whatever invention could that be, I believe these great things carry with
them advantages and disadvantages.
To begin with the advantages, first of all, the advancements in the workplace have
reduced the human effort. Earlier, the same work which required human workforce can now be
done in a fraction of seconds using machines. Working with computers reduces the amount of
time taken to have results. In the case of producing documents, it takes a shorter time to type
rather than hand write. With the invention of the internet, computers, and phones, people are
able to communicate with each other regardless of their location. Cars, buses, electric trains
and airplanes make it easier to travel across the world with much ease. One can travel over a
long distance in a short period of time. At the medical level, technology can help treat more sick
people and consequently save many lives and combat very harmful viruses and bacteria.
Medicines have been discovered that aid to prolong life and also machines that support life.
Science inventions have led to a better understanding of the world.
On the contrary, if we look at the disadvantages, it can be said that the over-reliance and
dependence on machinery has made people lethargic. Man no longer needs to think and work
his memory. Everything’s in google already. Also, as the employers can easily replace a
hundred workers with a single machine, it has resulted in unemployment among the youth. With
the invention of the car came problems such as air pollution and cities are becoming more and
more congested. Most countries have acquired bombs, deadly weapons, fighter planes and the
like which have led to many dangerous wars with increased death of people. Medically
speaking, the invention of some chemicals has increased the chances of health issues such as
respiratory and skin diseases. Lastly, powerful countries end up having unhealthy competitions
on who is going to invent what first. This leads to enmity among nations.
According to the scientific community, anything invented is like a knife. A knife can be
used to cut throats and spill blood. It can also be used for good purposes like cutting fruits and
vegetables. It depends on the person who uses it. Likewise science can also be used for the
benefit of living beings as well as for their destruction. Which way it goes is in the hands of the
person who uses it. The choice is definitely ours. Indeed, technology continues to change and
more innovative inventions are being developed, created, and used by people from all over the
world. Within the past years, there have been many major changes in the technology realm.
Can you imagine life without any of these? Probably not! These inventions will likely continue to
develop and change over time. With all of the innovations with technology, it is amazing to
imagine what will become of these different inventions in the future.