Are you hot? Or not?

Can technological advancement produce genuine issues in today’s society? In short, yes. With each benefit that technology has, it holds the potential for equal detriment. And this is greatly due to the paradoxical nature of modern technology-while it has the capability to provide us with remarkable contemporary conveniences, it can equally ruin lives through humiliation and shame.

Social networking websites serve as clear examples of possible conflict. This is largely due to their pervasive qualities-one is able to know virtually every detail about a particular person before even meeting them face to face. And this is quite alarming, based on the news that Facebook just recently surpassed the technology giant Google, as the most viewed website in the U.S. Last weekend, I went to see The Social Network, a new drama filled film that discusses the origins of Facebook. In the film, we learn that prior to the creation of the social networking giant, Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook’s creator) launched a website to spite his recent ex girlfriend. The website, called Facemash, shared a similar format to the already popular rating site Hot or Not, which asks users to judge prospective candidates on their level of attractiveness. Websites such as these, toe the line of one’s right to privacy.

Instances of privacy violation are commonplace on the World Wide Web today. One example is the recent case of the Rutgers student suicide. Tyler Clementi’s privacy was invaded after two classmates set up a webcam to broadcast a sexual encounter between him and another male. After learning of this unfortunate occurrence, Clementi sought help on web forums and considered requesting a room change. However, after discovering via Twitter that his roommate was planning to broadcast yet another tryst, Clementi lost it. He got in his car, drove towards the George Washington Bridge, and revealed to his Facebook friends that he would later jump.

So can we conclude that all technology is harmful given its potential to cause individuals to go as far as to commit suicide; when at the same time it allows us to communicate with loved ones overseas or brighten someone’s day? While we are unable to make such a universal statement, we must be aware to the potential dangers of technology, and use caution and judgment each time we utilize its modern conveniences.