Many people still insist on using old-fashioned ways to communicate instead of such modern ones as e-mail which often take the place of faxes and telephone calls. Why do we seem to have a fear of using modern technology? Why are our relations with technology so hesitant? Is the reason because we do not use technology in the proper way? Technology is not difficult to assimilate and use but our society and culture has planted a fear in us of anything new, anything modern, anything innovative.
Part of the reason is surely that we did nothing to develop the technology and so do not really understand it. It is of course possible to make maximum use of technology without having produced it or understanding how it works. Too often, we look askance at technology and our reaction is either to accept it or reject it totally. Because we don’t know how to use technology correctly, we reject it. It is as if we entered a restaurant and did not order a strange new dish because we did not know what it was. One can always ask and find out. One can always learn. Sometimes of course we reject technology because of the negative impact it has on our culture; we hide behind it and make excuses for not using them.
Gradually, however, we adapt to the new technology and, as we discover their positive sides, use them comfortably and easily. The problem is that as soon as we get used to the new technology, a new and improved version is developed and we have to begin the process all over again. How can we overcome the technological gap between us and others?
The answer is not a difficult one; we can overcome the gap through education. Look at how much time our young people spend on the Internet. Most often, they are searching for something useful or chatting with others for entertainment. We should look at what was accomplished in Malaysia with what they call “the 20/20 theory.” If you don’t know, ask a Malaysian; you will be amazed at what you are told.
