Reaction to Paper 1

To start writing this paper, I chose an object that is a very big part of my life and also of my peers. GPS systems are one type of technology that has become prevalent in most people's lives. It seemed obvious to me that these are so popular. They make it possible to drive, walk, or use public transportation anywhere you could want to go. They are easy to use and understand, even for people who consider themselves completely unable to use modern technology. I love my GPS system and don't go anywhere without it. 

I also found it easy to see the drawbacks of this useful device. Since mine was stolen, I noticed exactly how dependent I had become on using it to get around. Places I had previously gone to several times now seemed impossible to get to. Luckily, I do remember most of the important places that I need to get to such as Hofstra, my house, some friends' homes, doctors etc. But I can no longer take impromptu road trips to visit old friends or family or even my old school Union College. My mom can get anywhere without a GPS. Not only in New York, but nearly all of the tri-state area. She can write turn-by-turn directions, with reference points, to anywhere I have ever needed to go. This is a skill that I, and many others like me, will never have.

Overall, I think that portable GPS systems are great. They can keep you from getting lost, take you home, and are safer than reading a map or written directions. I think that the negative effects that this technology has on us, dependency, is consistent with the effects of all useful technology. Overusing these GPS systems will make us dependent on them but using them in moderation can let you have a lot of new experiences that can only come from traveling.