By: Jackson Cummings
Sentry Staff Reporter
Have a big presentation tomorrow? And your USB flash drive does not have enough space? Not to mention, you have lost that flash drive like five times now. Instead of checking every pant pocket imaginable to find your USB drive, try uploading the file to “the cloud.” Multiple websites on the internet now allow you to upload files and access them anywhere. Upload your presentation to Google Drive and worry no more. Google Drive – no, not the verb – is a platform that allows you to upload up to 15 gigabytes of anything for free. If needed, you can purchase more space – which is definitely something that makes life easier.
I think we can all agree that it is much easier to have all of our school files in one location that is accessible on our phones, our computers and everything in between. Finally, there is no more misplacing a flashdrive and frantically searching to find it. Notwithstanding, there are a few negative aspects involving uploading files to “the cloud.” On some clouds, once a file is deleted, it is gone. But on other clouds, like social media websites or blogs, files that are deleted can sometimes be revived. For example, someone could save an image you posted before you delete it or share your status before it is deleted. Deleting a status may disappear instantly for you, but sometimes there is a small delay in which it is still viewable by others.
There are hundreds if not thousands of stories of people adding regrettable things to the internet. Believe it or not, most websites, like Facebook and Twitter, are clouds. A single picture of you partying five years ago can influence an employer to not hire you. Maybe that picture should have stayed on your camera. While everything is accessible from everywhere…everything is accessible from everywhere.
Mobile cell phones have evolved over the course of many years. In the past (the time that modern-day technology users consider the “old ages”), to make a call, you had to take out a brick and pull up the antenna. Well, not literally, but most cell phones were large, heavy and quite the hassle. Nowadays, people are carrying around palm-sized supercomputers. These devices, known as smartphones, allow you to access the internet, take pictures, call and text. In some ways, a device with endless possibilities is positive.
For starters, these phones are light and generally easy to use. People can order food, make appointments and check the weather while they sit on the couch at their home. This allows people tight on time to multitask and get things done quickly. Additionally, people can play games on their phone and pass the time. On the other hand, mobile cell phones may give too many possibilities to people. People use their phones to do things they want done quickly. There is relatively no point to make face-to-face contact with people when you can text them, email them or call them from your palm-sized computer.
A limit on face-to-face contact can be a negative as well as a positive. People can be anonymous which allows them to commit crimes. There are prepaid cell phones, known as “burners,” that allow people to have a phone without a contract. If things continue down this path, the future might look very antisocial in terms of face to face communication. Schools might become video schools where lessons are taught over the camera. This could be damaging for learners who like to use their hands and could limit education. It would be hard for teachers to control the classroom and ensure that students are focused and working.
Other gadgets like Google Glass have surfaced that encourage creativity. This device can take pictures, record videos, use location services, alert you if you get an email and let you read that email. The best part about Google Glass is that you wear it. It is not a watch nor a necklace; instead, it is a pair of glasses. According to the Washington Post, “Google has even announced that it’s popping prescription lenses into some models.” In other words, the lenses can be made to the wearer’s standards. Personally, I would purchase a pair of these glasses. The glasses would allow people to see things in my point of view. Plus, if I always wear them, they will be hard to lose and easy to use. However, they do look kind of goofy and if you are the only person in the room wearing them, you might get a couple weird looks.
Alongside Google Glass, many Smart TVs have appeared in today’s market. Owners of these TVs have the opportunity to browse the internet on their TV. With a click of a button, they can watching videos on Netflix and Youtube, browsing Facebook and Twitter, or listening to the radio, all from their television. Samsung has even developed a set-top box that transforms your normal TV into a Smart TV. I would buy a Smart TV because it makes life easier. I can load up Netflix on a big TV instead of having to settle for Netflix on a small computer screen. I could also check my Facebook while I watch my morning cartoons. Google Glass and Smart TVs are positive and powerful innovations that have been introduced to the world.
A “designer baby” is a phrase used to describe a new possibility coming to the world. It means that parents can genetically modify their future child to be taller, more athletic or stronger. Personally, I believe that this is not a good thing. While it may be a good topic to study for science, it is not ethical. People should have the chance to become who they want to be. Modifying a child to be better, stronger and faster is carving a path that may not be wanted. No one knows what their child will want to be in life, so forcing the child to be something the parents want is not appropriate. This modification could change sports. What would happen if everyone playing basketball was 10 feet tall? The game would be ruined. People would lose their edge. There would be no purpose in trying to do anything. Why try when someone who has been genetically altered to be better than you starts to participate? Life would lose purpose. It would no longer be fun.
