Essay 293 – Life was better when we had less modern technology

GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 293

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people feel that life was better in the past when we had less modern technology because things were simpler and less complicated.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer:

Advanced technology is ubiquitous these days. However, it is argued by many that life was more content with simple technologies in the past. I believe that while modern invention provides us with every amenity we require to live a comfortable life, in reality, it also makes our lives more complicated in terms of making life stressful.

On the one hand, modern technology has made our life unprecedentedly convenient. The most evident convenience is prompt communication. Put simply, only a few decades ago, the mode of transferring a message or information was long, and people had to wait for days, if not months to receive it. Whereas nowadays, people need to simply tap the email icon on their cell phone and send a message in the blink of an eye with the help of smartphones and the Internet. In fact, cutting-edge devices and applications make it possible to stay connected around the clock, seven days a week. The same goes for household chores. Homemakers receive the full blessing of home appliances. So, no doubt, modern people enjoy the blessing of technology almost in all spheres of life. But it comes with a price.

With the advent of advanced and digital technology, life has also become complicated. It makes individuals rush. People are expected to use productivity apps so that they can carry out more tasks in less time. It seems like individuals are being pushed to become more productive and faster by the way and they often fail to understand their limits, and causes stress as a result. Besides, technology is constantly evolving. Consequently, people need to adapt their approach and skills to the ever-developing technologies, thus leading to additional stress. To cap it all, connection brings about addiction. Plenty of studies in this field support this notion as engagement with our cell phones and social media releases a chemical called dopamine. It is the same chemical that makes people feel good when they smoke, drink or gamble. In other words, it is highly addictive.

In conclusion, life was much simpler when technology was less advanced. However, although present-day technology makes life stressed, the remedy is simple – use it less.