Alexandra Samuel’s article, “Plug In Better”, addresses the recent debate regarding technology and whether or not it is helping to hindering our society. She believes that the poor effects of technology come from over usage and the only way we will create beneficial change is if society realistically attacks the issue through balance and intention. Samuel explains that many critics suggest “unplugging” from technology or removing it as a whole. However, she claims that “[g]oing offline is no longer a realistic option” and that there is “no way to escape the digital” (2). Because technology is so prevalent in society and because most of our daily lives revolve around it, there is no way to fully remove its presence. This idea directly relates to Sam Anderson’s article, “In Defense of Distraction”, which discusses the drawbacks and benefits of being distracted. by technology. Anderson writes, “And, more practically, the virtual horse has already left the digital barn” (Anderson 2). Anderson’s idea that the the virtual horse has already been let out of its barn relates to Samuel’s idea that going offline is unrealistic. Reducing the amount of technology our society produces is completely unrealistic. We will continue to grow and create devices to do more advance tasks. There is no way to stop the mass production of technology that are world demands because so many lives and jobs depend on it. Like Samuel and Anderson both said, unplugging from technology is not an option anymore.
Meghan Hamilton
Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.
