The abuse or misuse of modern technology is a dangerous practice, common to all groups in our society — rich or poor, educated or illiterate, male or female. This problem has been increasing recently and it is time to treat it and change certain tendencies.
Much advanced technology is basically meant to make our lives easier at home, in the workplace or when we travel; that same technology is too often abused. Because of this, one of the most useful tools — mobile phones — have become a source of almost constant annoyance.
It interrupts and disturbs people everywhere. Its ring even disturbs worshipers in mosques before, during and after prayers. To the annoyance of all, both teachers and students receive calls while they are in classrooms. Its use at public functions and in public places is disgusting.
It is a toy for children while adolescents — male and female — abuse phones in the most degrading manner. Abuse of, and mischief with, mobile phones will no doubt grow even worse when the items are fitted with cameras and are then available in our markets.
Cars are another example of a useful piece of modern technology. As we all know, they wreak incredible havoc, death and destruction on Saudi roads. Saudi motorists are such bad drivers that the Kingdom is said to have the highest rates of injuries and deaths in the world from traffic accidents.
Another area of abuse is in the IT sector. The Internet, which is supposed to be an instrument for increasing knowledge and keeping abreast of the latest developments, has been subjected to the worst types of moral depravity.
The easy access to the latest developments in science and technology should have been a boon to the people of the Kingdom where there is a noticeable dearth of expertise in almost every field. Instead of using the Internet in a way to benefit people, both young and old have abused it and wasted their time in negative use — misuse, in fact. People neglect their duties to their families and their employers by browsing non-stop on sensually exciting and titillating websites.
People also abuse and misuse such public places as parks and gardens; they also abuse the Corniche in Jeddah and Alkhobar. They throw their garbage in the street or even leave it on the beach and seem absolutely unbothered by the pollution they are causing. No thought for the environment or for others who might want to visit the same places.
Nobody disputes the dangers of smoking. Unfortunately, people still smoke in public places without any consideration for the health of others. Smokers even display very little concern for their own children or parents when they smoke at home. According to experts, passive smokers stand just as great a risk of smoke-related diseases and illnesses.
