Robert+M’s+Final+AmEx+2015+Speech


 * Title of Speech: **** Technology is a Distraction **

Albert Einstein once proclaimed, “I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots.” I am sad to acknowledge that this day is already upon us. In the past few decades, the internet has revolutionized not only America but the entire world. In my belief, however, this technology is a distraction, one that has ultimately been to our country’s detriment. I’m not speaking economically or politically, but socially. It is an element which I’ve identified as a plague among society, especially affecting our generation. TVs, computers, cell phones; we’re extremely familiar with these now common devices. After all, that’s what they are--pieces of equipment--and they should be treated as such. Unfortunately for me and I know many others, we develop unhealthy relationships with these devices. I’ve been exposed to computers and video games since a very young age, yet when I look back on all the great experiences I had as a child and young teen, I remember all of them being outdoors, and most notably, in the company of people who were my friends and family. But somewhere between the breaking off from middle school to Foothill, I made the transition from outdoor fun as a pastime to taking the bus home alone, only to zone out to some cheap entertainment. Interestingly, it was about this time I transposed from a thoughtful and active student to one that mostly sat by, passive and dispirited Recently, I made a trip to the doctor’s office. They measured my height and weight, asked the typical questions; “Do you get 3 cups of vegetables every day?” No. “Do you get at least one hour of exercise at least five days per week?” For the most part. But an additional question they had begun asking patients was whether time spent on digital devices was limited. Needless to say, my reply was negative, bringing to mind the health drawbacks of being a tech addict. Besides developing tight hamstrings and bad posture, as usual in this day and age, people leading a sedentary lifestyle are more at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases as well as anxiety and depression. Addiction to technology is also such a terribly deteriorating disorder because it is the cause of so much social and personal dysfunction. Dependence on technology can prevent you from finding a hobby and pursuing lively goals you set out for yourself. Technology can alienate you from the people you know and love. You can rely on technological distractions for reason to postpone the writing of speeches, or life in general. A strong basis of self-identity is born out of sincere and honest experiences, but when unrestricted mindless stimulus takes the place of real social interaction, the person you once were will evaporate right before you. Through the indulgence into technological abyss, I myself have lost many of the values I once held. One time, I saw a TV advertisement that used young children to advertise the new samsung galaxy S3. I was distraught by the image it portrayed not so much because of the business aspect it brought to mind, but because I fear for the our generation which already worships poor values. We are spoiled to have been born here and now. Technology is a great convenience, but I wish to see a war on its use as a mindless stimulant. In the America I want to grow old in, people will not feel destitute without their iphone six on hand, or computer to put them to sleep at night, but rather be proactive and appreciate the gift of life.
 * Text of Speech **


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