How much are we controlled by the technology?

Before the class, I have never thought about the question of whether we are controlling the technology or being controlled.

And the question immediately raised my memories of a few movies related to the topic =].
The movies are all exciting and the idea is at the same time a bit horrifying. Obviously, many people have though about the negative influence of advanced technology long before. Although the story of the movies are a bit exaggerated, yet when thinking about our every day lives, we are indeed inevitably controlled by the technology, just that we never realize it!

When I was small (during primary school period), what technology means to me was my television, my Gameboy ( which could only show the black and white...) I didn't even have a computer at home. I can't say people were not under control of technology 10 years ago, just that when compared to nowadays, the influence is much lower for sure!

When I was small, I like to go reading, cycling, swimming and playing chess in my spare time.
Ten years after, when I ask my tutorial students (which are 7 to 11 years old) what they usually do during their spare time, most of them reply with a instance answer 'computer games! X-box! PSP!'  ' How about Ocean Park, do you like it?' I once asked. 'No! It's boring, I would rather stay at home for computer games...' 


And when we are in the MTR,  and look around to see what people are doing,it is a must to find at least a few passengers playing with their smart phones. Interaction between people has become less and less. I have seen some couples having dinner in restaurants, never speak a word with each other for the whole dinner time but only to play with their smart phones!

Yes, technology really brings us much convenience, but what have you given up for such convenience?
I should also quit my habit of logging in Facebook every few hours and playing with my Iphone all the time,  so that I won't miss other valuable and beautiful things in my life.