When I think about computing and computer science, my mind invariably goes back to 2010 when I was in seventh grade. That was when I was first exposed to computer science and its marvels, and my teacher would constantly teach us about new, exciting upcoming technologies – virtual reality, 3D printing, NFC and so on. This was probably around the time I decided that this was the field that I wanted to be a part of.
People have a spectrum of opinions with regards to modern technology, but then again, people also had a variety of opinions with all sorts of advents – be it the invention of the wheel, the discovery of fire, and so on. The question always boils down to – is (insertRevolutionaryDiscoveryHere) a virtue, or a vice?
Think about the “modern marvels” today, most of which are taken for granted. Modern communications channels, space travels, banking systems and so on. None of these would have ever come about if not for modern computational capabilities. On the flip side, the digital age did bring with it, a new terrain for crime and misdoings. Cyber crime such as credit card fraud, identity theft, online scams, and so on are pressing issues in the 21th Century. Yet, these are issues that could be tackled, and the numerous benefits of technology certainly outweigh the downsides.
I believe that technology has played a pivotal role in my life thus far. It has taught me essential problem solving and analytical skills necessary to tackle the winding mazes created by the problems of today’s world. Additionally, it taught me the importance of teamwork, and how it can act as a common platform which unites people from all walks of life towards solving the pressing issues of our day. But, above all, I think technology is something that evokes a feeling of excitement and joy that is difficult to describe. Whether it was 10 year old me gleaming in delight playing Pokemon or present me sighing in relief and content when I see my code compile and run without errors, the feeling of accomplishment is indescribable.
I’m a strong believer of the fact that technology is for the betterment of all of our well-beings and to that effect, I’d like to leave you with an advertisement that I saw in a textbook sometime ago
This was an advertisement by IBM during the early days of computing.
