Unit One Assignment

   TECHNOLOGY & ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN OUR WORLD TODAY

Source 1: https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/21/fashion/a-pencil-shop-for-texting-the-old-fashioned-way.html?

My first source talks about a unique Pencil ship located in New York City. What makes the shop so unique is that the only items that are sold there are pencils. Yes...pencils. You may ask yourself who the heck still uses pencils? But the owner Caroline Weaver argues that "pencils are like machines and maragine."The New York Times refers to this article as a Critical Shopper as it takes a unique twist on a retail store in 2024. I admire this article because it shows that no matter how technical and developed our world may get, there will always be pencils for those who like to do things original and functional. 

 Source 2: https://citizenadvocates.net/blog/the-impact-of-technology-on-mental-health-balancing-connection-and-screen

My second source provides great detail about technology and how it comes with a severely negative impact on mental health. Countless studies have shown that the use of technology can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety depression and sleep disorders. The Authors of this article look at this project as a way to provide help and explanation for those wanting to learn more or struggling with the overuse of technology and its effects on mental health. The Authors of this piece were direct and provided tips on how to navigate our world today considering its heavy use in the world of technology. Technology is so commonly used today that many do not realize its overarching impact and the effects that come with it. More specifically the use of technology as mentioned in this piece: "Social Media use has also been associated with a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety, as well as decreased self-esteem and body image issues." The normalization of technologies such as social media has a major impact and the ability to control individuals in ways they don't even acknowledge. In our world today, you may ask how can we live without technology? Negatives come with positives such as providing a sense of community and social support. With that being said this source provides a way to navigate living in such a technical world. A few of these tips include: setting boundaries, practicing mindful use, and seeking in-person connections. Being in our in our technical era I think it is very important for all to read this article and see how technology affects us as a whole because many do not realize its negative impacts. I admire how the authors of this Article not only explain major issues facing our society today but then provide solutions and ways of creating a healthy balance without eliminating the problem completely.

Source 3: https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/23/07/embracing-artificial-intelligence-classroom

While many are under the impression that AI is destroying students' workability in the classroom, my third source explains how teachers can use AI for students' benefit. Essentially showing how we can all use AI to help further our educations. The author of this article, Elizabeth M. Ross, suggests that we should use AI to our advantage rather than pretending it doesn't exist. I would categorize this article as Education and Technology and refer to it as an Educational piece as it's very informative as it explores the impacts of AI in the academic world. According to Houman Harouni, a lecturer on education at the Harvard School of education, “Technology creates a shock, this shock is sometimes of a magnitude that we cannot even understand it, in the same way that we still haven't absorbed the sharp shock of the mobile phone.” Everyone will adapt and understand technology at different speeds but it is important that we as humans use all of our resources to better ourselves. Humans need to start thinking of AI as a way to advance ourselves rather than an easy way out. Another tip on how to make the most of AI in the classroom is to use generative AI to spark the imagination. With this, the author suggests that if students turn to tools like CHATPT and other language models for a simple answer, there is an issue with the lesson. While Artificial intelligence can bring many benefits to the classroom it is also important to consider issues such as ethical considerations and privacy concerns. This is why it is important to take a balanced approach when it comes to using technology in the classroom.

Source 4: https://www.wfla.com/bloom-tampa-bay/the-role-of-technology-in-childhood-development

My Final source takes a look at the role of technology in childhood development. As many of us know this topic causes great debate among parents, educators, and experts who look at childhood development. This article mentions benefits such as an increase in Access to information, Development of Technological Literacy and Skills, and Improved communication and socialization. Whereas Cons include the Risk of addiction and overuse, the risk of exposure to harmful content, and most importantly the impact on emotional and mental health.

Some ways that the Author of this article, Brody Wooddell, suggests creating a healthy relationship with technology that leads to development include using educational apps, addictive technology, and virtual reality experiences. I would consider this article to be an informative and educational source. Wooddell expresses how he believes that one of the most significant "advantages of technology in childhood development is the increased access to information." This article displays how one can take a negative such as the addiction to technology in adolescence and shows how it is possible to create a new and positive environment when it comes to technology and its uses with younger generations. It is important to remember that the impact of technology on childhood development is multifaceted. When navigating the use of technology in childhood, it is crucial to find a balanced approach.

It is so important for all living in our world today to take a step back and reflect on technology and its impact on our world. Whether we support it or not it is important to realize that it essentially influences almost every aspect of our lives. As explained more in my fourth source it is essential for all aspects of our lives. Technology's continuous evolution helps to shape the way we live, work and connect with the world around us. With all positive comes negatives so with the positive technology we must continue to monitor the younger generations to ensure that healthy relationships are created surrounding technology and that it can be used for everyone's benefit.