Hugo Dos Santos
In the modern world, dependence on technology is evident at every turn. From the moment people wake up to the second they drift off to sleep, smartphones and laptops dictate the rhythm of their lives. These devices serve as alarm clocks, personal organizers and entertainment hubs, keeping individuals connected to the digital world.
Once confined to face-to-face interactions or handwritten letters, communication has evolved into a digital affair. Text messages, emails and social media platforms facilitate connections, blurring the boundaries of time and space. The incessant buzz of notifications has become a constant backdrop, fueling the need for instant messaging and everlasting connectivity. According to Gitnux, an independent marketing platform, “8% of the global population is addicted to the Internet and 85% of American adults can’t go a day without using it – this shows how dependent people have become on technology.”
This reliance on technology keeps the IT department at Doane University bustling with activity, as students, faculty and staff regularly encounter technical issues that require the expertise of IT personnel to resolve.
“I consider my job at the Service Center as an emotional labor. More than just working with computers and fixing technology-related issues, it is important to connect with people and have empathy. I feel that a lot of people rely not only on technology but on us to fix things for them when sometimes they can fix things themselves,” senior student-worker Guilherme Longatto said.
Beyond communication, technology permeates various aspects of daily life, promising efficiency and convenience. Ordering food, managing finances and navigating the web are some tasks that can be accomplished through apps. In addition, digital assistants stand ready to answer questions and execute commands, alleviating the burden of mundane chores. Leisure activities have undergone a digital transformation, such as streaming services and video games. Virtual reality experiences dominate the entertainment landscape, as people immerse themselves in digital words, seeking comfort from the pressure of reality within the confines of pixels and screens.
Despite the constant exposure to blue light and the pressure of the job, IT specialists find not just comfort but also pleasure when looking at a computer screen.
“Working at the Service Center is great. We have a great team and a lot of collaborative effort to fix campus-wide issues related to technology. Regarding the reliance on technology, people heavily depend on it. You need it in every aspect of your life, such as going to school and performing various activities,” technical services specialist Draven Long said.
At Doane University, the dependence on technology is not a convenience but a fundamental aspect of daily operations. From facilitating remote learning and research attempts to smooth administrative tasks, technology plays a pivotal role in creating an environment of innovation and collaboration. As students, faculty and staff continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education, their reliance on technology remains firm, reflecting both the opportunities and challenges in the increasingly digital world.
“People are way more dependent on technology now. Back in the day, we needed to go to the library and seek in books the answers to our questions. Technology and the Internet made everything easier and I would say more efficient. People have fast-paced lives and the ease and efficiency of having the information in the palm of their hands helps a lot,” junior student-worker Samuel Montanez said.
The reliance on technology has intertwined itself with various aspects of campus life at Doane University, integrating into every aspect of academic and administrative functions. From virtual classrooms to digital libraries and from online enrollment to collaborative research platforms, technology serves as the heart of the university. As students engage in dynamic learning experiences, faculty conduct groundbreaking research and staff manage the day-by-day operations, technology becomes indispensable.
