Technology Today and Tomorrow: How It Shapes Our Lives
Technology has become a central part of modern life. From the moment we wake up to the moment we go to sleep, we use some form of technology — whether it’s checking the time on a phone, using public transport with a digital ticket, or attending online classes. It affects how we communicate, work, study, travel, and even relax. But as technology continues to evolve, we must ask: How is it shaping our future?
Technology has become a central part of modern life. From the moment we wake up to the moment we go to sleep, we use some form of technology — whether it’s checking the time on a phone, using public transport with a digital ticket, or attending online classes. It affects how we communicate, work, study, travel, and even relax. But as technology continues to evolve, we must ask: How is it shaping our future?
How Technology Affects Our Daily Lives
Today, technology helps make everyday tasks faster and easier. We use smartphones to set alarms, message friends, take photos, and access information instantly. Many students attend virtual classes, and employees work remotely using video calls and digital tools. In health care, technology supports doctors through machines that help diagnose illnesses and track patient data.
In the home, smart technology such as voice assistants, smart lights, and robotic vacuum cleaners make daily routines more convenient. At the same time, apps and websites help us manage money, shop online, or learn new skills like languages or coding.
The Positive and Negative Sides
Technology brings many benefits:
Speed: Tasks are done more quickly.
Access: We can find information or connect with people from anywhere.
Innovation: New tools help solve big problems — from clean energy to medical research.
However, there are also challenges:
Screen time: Many people spend too much time online, which can affect health and relationships.
Privacy: Our personal data can be collected and shared without our full understanding.
Job changes: Some jobs disappear as machines or AI take over certain tasks, while new kinds of jobs appear.
Access: We can find information or connect with people from anywhere.
Innovation: New tools help solve big problems — from clean energy to medical research.
However, there are also challenges:
Screen time: Many people spend too much time online, which can affect health and relationships.
Privacy: Our personal data can be collected and shared without our full understanding.
Job changes: Some jobs disappear as machines or AI take over certain tasks, while new kinds of jobs appear.
Technology in the Future
In the next 10 to 20 years, we can expect even bigger changes. Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play a larger role in business, education, and transportation. Self-driving cars, smart cities, and robots working in shops or hospitals may become normal. People might use virtual reality (VR) to attend meetings or concerts without leaving their homes.
At the same time, new technologies will raise important questions: Who controls the technology? Will everyone have equal access? How do we protect jobs, privacy, and mental health?
Vocabulary in Context
Data privacy — The right to control who sees and uses your personal information
Digital tools — Programs and devices used for communication or productivity
Evolve — To develop or change gradually over time
Remote work — Working from home or outside the office using technology
Screen time —The amount of time spent using a screen (TV, phone, computer)
Self-driving car — A vehicle that can operate without a human drive
Smart technology — Devices that connect to the internet and can be controlled remotely
Virtual reality (VR) — A computer-made world you can experience through a headset
Discussion Questions
1. What is one piece of technology you use every day? How does it help you?
2. Do you think technology will make life better or more difficult in the future? Why?
3. What are some ways to use technology more responsibly?
4. Which future invention would you most like to see?
1. What is one piece of technology you use every day? How does it help you?
2. Do you think technology will make life better or more difficult in the future? Why?
3. What are some ways to use technology more responsibly?
4. Which future invention would you most like to see?
Topic
“Life would be better without smartphones.”
Instructions for Students
1. Think about whether you agree or disagree with the statement above.
2. Agree or Disagree (select one claim to support with reasons or/and examples):
Smartphones cause problems in our lives.
Smartphones are useful and make life easier.
3. Prepare 2 reasons to support the opinion or claim you have chosen. Use data examples, if possible.
4. Take turns explaining your selected argument to your partner.
5. Your partner should ask at least one follow-up question (e.g. “Why do you think that?” or “Are you really sure, but what about...?”).
Smartphones are useful and make life easier.
3. Prepare 2 reasons to support the opinion or claim you have chosen. Use data examples, if possible.
4. Take turns explaining your selected argument to your partner.
5. Your partner should ask at least one follow-up question (e.g. “Why do you think that?” or “Are you really sure, but what about...?”).