Identify and explain one type of analysis Cal Newport is conducting on new technologies such as social media and smartphones.
Cal Newport provides a detailed analysis of the effects of social media and smartphones on peoples’ behavior. In his report, he observes that at the start of these new technologies, they look like the tools to make lives more comfortable and more manageable. For instance, He notes that at its genesis in 2004, Facebook seemed like an excellent way to check up on classmates, and in 2007 the iPhone had revolutionary features that were widely celebrated to make lives more manageable. However, Newport demonstrates that these new technologies have taken over every person who has embraced these technologies. For example, the average user of social media and associated messaging apps spend around two hours of their day engaged in them. Newport, in his analysis, feels less the same for smartphones. Their use penetrated to every part of the world in ways twenty years ago would seem impossible. However, their use is not without controversy in the sense that people cannot go for long without looking at these devices. In his analysis, Newport notes that people compulsively check on their devices about eighty-four times.
- Identify and explain one extrinsic concern involved in Newport’s evaluation of the new technologies.
One extrinsic concern highlighted by Newport is the fact that these new technologies, such as social media and smartphones, are dictating human behavior and the way they feel. One major cause of these new technologies is massive and transformational lifestyle changes that the society did not plan for or expect to be facing. Proponents of new technologies, especially in the mass media category, have always argued that new technologies such as social media and smartphones have created a global village that is well connected and more informed. However, Newport, in his evaluation, notes that these technologies have brought about unprecedented rates of addiction without end in sight. For instance, Newport notes that social media users are now, on average, spending a whole two hours. It is not a shock anymore that some people are spending close to a day perusing on various social media sites. Concerns if kids pick up this habits and it becomes their way of life To be fair new technologies have widespread benefits that have been widely documented; however, it is the shortcomings that Newport has looked into should change the perspective of people on the dangers of overindulgence of some of these new technologies and raise the necessary awareness. Without looking into these concerns as Newport notes, the world will continue to have increased rates of addiction and people becoming duller by the day.
- On the basis of Newport’s passage, which normative ethical theory would say that the new technologies is morally problematic? Make sure you include a moral principle/concept of the normative ethical theory in your answer.
Based on the passage, the normative ethical theory that is most problematic is that ‘New technologies such as social media and smartphones are dictating our behaviors and feelings.’ A moral principle to apply to this normative ethical theory is ‘take responsibility for your actions.’ Even though social media and smartphone use is highly addictive, it is no excuse to spend most of the time day in day out on these technologies. Under no circumstances is a person forced to spend time on these sites. It is a choice that a person chooses to take. It is vital for one to take responsibility for their own lives and their actions. Spending some time during leisure is not bad, but if it eats up time of other necessary activities, then it’s time to change course. It is also crucial for the makers of these technologies to recognize the harmful effects that their creation is causing. Consequently, they should put in place policies and actions to raise awareness to try and append the adverse effects experienced by millions of users of these new technologies.