Hurray for Technology!

I was reading a historical fiction book last week and was surprised to come upon a passage that was condemning modern technology. The technology was dangerous and would change the way people interacted with each other. It would ruin the sociability among people. It would speed life up. The characters in the book were unanimous in decrying this terrible new invention and how detrimental it would be physically, emotionally, and socially. And what was the invention? The automobile.

I am amazed at people who decry the same thing about every new invention that comes along. Computers, television, cell phones. Everything. People get on a campaign to ban them, but instead of banning them we just need to learn to use them correctly. They all are advancements and bring wonderful blessings into our lives. But they can also be detrimental if not used correctly.

I’ve listened to people who brag about the fact they don’t have television in their homes. That’s fine, but I’d miss watching General Conference cuddled up on my couch or the BYU devotionals. I don’t watch a lot of television, but there are some things I adore like PBS specials that lift and encourage me or historical documentaries. And there are some wonderful old movies!

The same things can be said of any technology. Remember, “It must needs be that there is an opposition in all things.” The secret to life isn’t to put your head in a hole and wish you lived in the dark ages. The secret is to learn to use technology for good and to discipline yourself. If we do that, technology can bless our lives.