Brief
overview
‘Don’t become a slave to technology – manage your phone,
don’t let it manage you.’ Richard Branson.
Such a stark statement, yet the implications are myriad. I
agree with Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, to a certain extent.
With the advancement of technology being so pervasive, we find ourselves caught
up with it in almost every aspect of our lives. At times, we have to step back
from our 5 by 3 Inches screen and take a breather or two. However, this
statement depends on ones’ definition of technology. If technology, is the
application of knowledge to solve problems and concerns, it can be said that
technology is almost everything in our lives and it is physically impossible to
escape it.
In session 2 we cover how technology has impacted societies
and the possibilities of global dominance. In addition, the perspectives of
technology and human development are being explored in the second half of the
session. Some of our peers gave us interesting insights on particular topics,
during their individual presentations.
Interesting
observation and ideas
Invention is a subset of innovation. Innovation consist of
two portions creativity and marketing. Where does invention fit in? It goes
under creativity. Basically, one has to create an invention then introduce it
into society. Once the invention is successfully marketed, it is considered to
be an innovation. Interestingly, many of us thought that it was the other way
around. Innovation was a subset of invention. Now I realized innovation is the
introduction of changes into society. Hence, innovators are usually not the
ones who create the products, those are merely the inventors. The innovators
are the ones who suggest how the product is applied, introducing new ideas into
the world.
In the past few decades, the growth of technology has been
rapidly increasing. For many, this growth is of paramount importance to propel
the human race into a new era of technology. On the other hand, some may
extrapolate on the downside of this growth. Prof mentioned a book titled ‘The
Human Zoo’. In this book, the author depicts human beings trapping themselves
in imaginary cages. The cages symbolize the web of technologies that people get
caught up with in every single day of their lives. Personally, I find this
analogy surprisingly true, especially in Singapore. In public places,
everywhere you turn you can see people using their phones, smart phones to be
specific. People use it on the train, while driving, while walking and even as
they eat. Even though the smart phone is only one form of technology, it paints
an ugly picture of what just one piece of technology can do to us. Isolating us
from interactions with the surrounding, subjecting us to higher risk of danger
and taking our basic respect and courtesy for another human being. Furthermore,
the increase use of technology can give rise to health problems. This occurs
when people are preoccupied with technology and cut down on exercising. There
are also reports where some technologies have negative effects on health.
The debate on colonialism. Is colonialism a boon or a bane?
I would have to say it is both. It is observed that colonial countries suffer
different fates. Mainly because of the geographical location, agriculture
products and natural resources a country possess. Countries like India suffered
under colonialism, having to only produce cash crops or products demanded by the
British. Their original industries were abolished due to monoculturism, causing
the downfall of their economy. However countries like Singapore thrived,
because of our prime location in the trading sector. In addition, we are a
small country and do not have much natural resources. Another argument worth
mentioning is an individuals’ take on freedom. If one would rather be ruled by
the worse local government, than be under any foreign state. He or she would
definitely view colonialism as subjugation. In many cases this is a popular opinion,
as colonial rulers use their colonies to their advantage, ignoring the obvious
repercussions suffered in the colony. Even until today the fate of the once colonialised
third world countries is determined by the economics of the dominant hegemonic
powers. Rather than the interest of the dependent third world.
Key
takeaway points
Vanessa brought up a discussion of the factors contributing
to the rise of China. Was it politics, economics, culture or innovation?
Vanessa and a few others mentioned that culture was the most significant
factor. Others said politics was more significant, putting forth that without
the political changes made in China, it would never have decided to open its’
doors in the first place. I feel economics and politics worked hand in hand in
contributing to the rise of China. The fact that the political change allowed
China to open it’s doors and China adopted new economic plans was vital for its’
rise. Prof mentioned that once China opened up it sent their scholars to the
best universities around the world to learn and bring back with them the
knowledge to develop a new China. China showed the world that perspective towards
things was of paramount importance, just one tweak and we could end up with a
different result. The concept of constantly accepting to, change and adapt, in
the ever-evolving world is crucial to ones’ survivability.
One student questioned, why do we need to discuss about the
past? We need to understand where things came from and how they got to where
they are today. This understanding would serve as a platform for us to evaluate
and learn from the past. I feel that this is very relevant in many different
perspectives. For example, in the business perspective it strongly correlates
to what was mentioned in Reading 2 of session 2A, in which businesses should
‘selectively forget the past’. By selectively forgetting the past, businesses
are reviewing the policies used and filtering what should continue to be used
in the future. This can also apply to oneself. We as individuals need to review
what we have done, learn from our mistakes or even successes, as we plan into the
future. I feel that this is a significant practice that all of us should carry
out. We only live life once, we should do it right.
Prof’s organizational behavior model, was one that has
eluded us although it was so logical and obvious. The model consisted of 3
mindsets, rising star, dominant and falling star mindsets. Prof used it to
explain about businesses and countries. Once again, it can be a concept used on
individuals as well. For example, for students in SMU, or be it any educational
institutes. There will be students who are perceptive to learning and those who
are not. In addition, those who do well might get complacent and fall into the
aspect of a falling star. If we are every lost in our lives or wondering what
we can do to improve, we can use the model to evaluate ourselves. In addition
identifying the traits we need to work on or change.
Issue
for further discussion
1) In relations to the second topic of the lecture, technology
and human development, how has technology impacted human development
psychologically really intrigued me. I found reading 3 quite interesting. We
could discuss about the right of freedom people should have to pursue
scientific temper in their own way.
2) If technology is the application of knowledge to solve
problems or in other words ‘to know what to do’. Is there any human development
that does not involve technology?
Personal
rating for session
Although the session was too short for the full discussion
of two topics, it was interesting and insightful. I wish there was more focus
on the second topic though. I will give it a 6/10.
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