Comment: Technology and consumerism

The following statement is found in Text 1: “We rarely stop to consider whether technology and consumerism have always changed our lives for the better.” (ll. 11-12)

In this section of the study guide, we have outlined some points for you to consider when commenting on this statement from the text:

The backsides of technology

Leo Babauta does not deny the advantages of technology, but he suggests that technological development may not have brought only good changes into people’s lives.

Babauta also gives examples to support his theory.

Transportation

He talks about transportation and the way we may have forgotten the value of simple things:

It’s great that we have such comfortable cars that can drive incredibly fast and take us anywhere we want to go in minutes … but have we thrown away the joy and the health benefits of walking places? (ll. 14-17)

Communication

He also gives the example of communication and explains how we may ignore simple ways...