Digital Technology Essay
Essay Notes:
Benefits of modern digital technology:
- ability to connect with anyone in the world
- immediate access to information
- ability to learn new things quickly
- greater efficiency in many aspects of life
- entertainment and creative opportunities
- enhanced communication abilities
- access to a wider range of knowledge and perspectives
- ability to work from anywhere at any time
- increased flexibility and freedom in lifestyle choices.
Drawbacks or disadvantages of modern digital technology
- can be addictive and lead to withdrawal symptoms
- can isolate people from real-world interaction
- distracts people from important tasks or interrupts workflow
- exposes people to negative content or influences
- leads to sleep deprivation
- creates a false sense of security or invincibility
- encourages superficiality and greed
- promotes rushed, careless decision making
- exposes personal information to theft or misuse
Reasons people love modern digital technology
- Increased communication and social interaction opportunities
- 24/7 access to information
- Increased educational opportunities
- Easier access to entertainment and recreational activities
- Greater productivity in work and personal tasks
- More convenient shopping and financial transactions
- Enhanced safety and security features
- More opportunities for self-expression and creativity
- Greater convenience in travel arrangements and logistics
Things people hate about modern digital technology
- Too much screen time and its negative effects on physical and mental health
- Children becoming "cyber-bullied" or addicted to screens at an early age
- The addiction to technology leads to social isolation and decreased in-person interaction
- Technology makes people more impatient and less able to tolerate boredom
- Distractions from work or studies caused by technology usage
- Pornography and other explicit content being too easily accessible online
- Commercials, advertisements, and other marketing ploys are being thrown in our faces constantly
- People's need for validation through likes, shares, and views on social media platforms
- Technology makes us lazy, and we don't want to leave the house or do anything physically active
Here's an essay on digital technology in the home in response to a Task 2 question in the IELTS Writing Test
IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:
Some people believe that digital technology in the home brings many benefits to people. Others consider that people are too dependent on digital technology nowadays.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Writing Task 2 Technology Essay IELTS Sample Answer
While it is undeniable that the inclusion of digital technology has enhanced people's lives, it is debatable whether or not one can be too dependent on something which is such an integral part of daily life nowadays.
Some people believe that dependency on modern technology has been by design ever since its inception and introduction into mainstream life. In recent years, digital technology has become integrated into almost every aspect of daily life. From banking to shopping online, smart home security systems, internet-enabled TV, and many more such examples. Arguing that people have become too dependent nowadays because of digital technology is like saying that people are too dependent on water or electricity. These things, like technology, are woven into the very fabric of modern life.
The benefits people enjoy because of this are enormous and wide-ranging. From simply enjoying more extensive entertainment options at home to being able to carry out work without having to leave home and go to the office. Digital technology allows people to achieve more in less time than before. Online banking, shopping, hotel bookings, and many other services make modern life easier. Moreover, digital technology, although responsible for the demise of certain traditional manual jobs, has also been responsible for the creation of many new jobs employing a younger and tech-savvy workforce.
Overall, it is a false argument to claim that people are too dependent on digital technology. It is as ubiquitous as making toast or a cup of coffee. Of course, people would be lost without it, but that could also be said of other technologies in the home once described as new, such as clean running water and electricity.
IELTS Band 9.0 Writing Criteria
Task Achievement
- fully satisfies all the requirements of the task
- clearly presents a fully developed response
Coherence and Cohesion
- uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention
- skillfully manages paragraphing
Lexical Resource
- uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features; rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
- uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy; rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’
Essay on digital technology in the home
4 paragraph essay outline:
Paragraph 1: Introduce the topic of digital technology in the home by discussing how it has become a staple in society. Mention that while some people believe that digital technology brings many benefits to people, others consider that people are too dependent nowadays because of digital technology.
Paragraph 2: Discuss the benefits of digital technology in the home by mentioning two examples. For instance, one benefit may be that it allows for easy communication with friends and family all over the world, or that it provides access to a wealth of information at one's fingertips.
Paragraph 3: Discuss the drawbacks of digital technology in the home.
For example, studies have shown that children who spend too much time in front of screens may have problems with their eyesight and focus.
Also, people can become isolated from each other if they rely too much on digital devices for communication.
Furthermore, digital technology can be a distraction from important tasks or activities. For example, someone might be working on a project but then get distracted by checking their phone or computer.
Paragraph 4: Conclusion: sum up your thoughts on digital technology in the home, and state whether you think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks or not.
More examples of IELTS writing task 2 technology questions
1. Cell phones have become an important part of our lives. Some people cannot live without their phones, while others believe they are a distraction and should be banned from schools. Discuss the pros and cons of cell phone usage.
2. Nowadays, most children have access to computers and the internet at a young age. Some parents feel it is important for their children to learn how to use these technologies, while others believe it is more important for their children to play outside and interact with other children. What do you think?
3. Some argue that the increased use of technology in schools is detrimental to students’ ability to think critically. Do you agree or disagree?
4. With the advent of smartphones, people are spending more and more time on the internet. Some believe this is having a negative effect on their social lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
5. Advances in medical technology have saved many lives and improved the quality of life for others. Do you think there are any disadvantages to such technological advances?
Example technology essay topics related to work
- How has digital technology changed the way we work?
- Are people too reliant on technology in the workplace?
- Is there a danger that people are becoming deskilled because of technology?
- What effects has technology had on communication in the workplace?
- What is the best way to manage workers' use of technology?
- Can employers trust employees to use technology responsibly?
- Are there any benefits to working offline?
- How important is it for young people to be familiar with digital technologies?