LostIdentity

Technology v.s. Humanity

Does the 2 go hand in hand? Or do they oppose each other in many ways? In the years of booming industries where technological advancements were hailed as works of human brilliance, everyone in the world seemed to have nothing but praises for such developments. The internet, e-mails, online chat forums, internet banking, online purchasing, etc, were said to be convenient alternatives for human interactions, saving time and costs in our hectic urban lifestyles.

However, as do all things on this earth that has been seen and judged by human beings, many soon pointed out the disadvantages that our technological supremacy has brought along. Convenience, apparently has its own down-sides, and it was then criticized that we are spending less “face time” with our closed ones, be it our friends, relatives, or even our immediate family members. So we complained about how the world of e-mails or chat forums seems to have deprived many of the intimacy of seeing each other in real life. The warmth of a hug, love of a kiss, comfort of a pat on the back, were said to be irreplaceable experiences that can only be associated with face to face interactions. Technology apparently, can only do so much.

Hmm…. I think I’m beginning to sound like I am writing a GP essay…. Haha….. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…….. sleep…… sleep……. =p

Ok, my point is, sometimes, I question myself about studying engineering as a major, and most probably, or definitely, having it as my area of profession when I officially step into the workforce in 2 years’ time. Calculations, theories, figures, probabilities, and somewhat abstract concepts of physics cloud the minds of engineering students throughout their 4 year course. Try asking any typical Engine student whether they are sure of the knowledge they study, I have a gut feeling that many do not have a firm answer of a “yes”. There seemed to be so much uncertainties, such as in the probability theories that we come across in AM, that sometimes, it seemed that engineers are merely carrying out intelligent guess-work. Technicalities, numbers, accepted concepts are laid across the table for us to learn and absorb, but many a times, these materials turn out to be too dry for us to have any form of interest.

Which then brings me to my next point: “Does studying courses in the arts and social sciences faculty bring greater joy as it seemed to involve more humane and intimate topics which we can better relate to?” I do not know really….. I suspect that it would be very much “less dry” as compared to our engineering courses, but does that mean that your lecturers manage better in keeping all of you awake? Does the Arts faculty open up a more intimate world of knowledge with regards to humanity? Are Arts students able to relate more to what they study? Hmmm….. perhaps some kind soul out there can enlighten me….. Haha….

So it seemed that, in a few years time, I would be dealing with all the technicalities that a typical Engineer would face. This reality does not seem to appeal much to me, as of now, and I am beginning to understand why my brother has chosen paths other than engineering. (However, this does not mean that I agree with the things he does)

Hmmm.... feelin tired oreadi..... think the weekend of exercise is coming into effect liao.... heh...

yawnz.... tmr shall be a better day..... hohohoho.......

posted by heng @ 2:00 PM