Modern technology has increased materials wealth, but not happiness. To what extent do you agree with this statement? 

Does modern technology bring happiness? Studies show that as some Western countries reach basic level of modern technology, their wealth increases but they do not necessarily grow happier, or for that matter unhappier. Some other countries, on the other hand, have fetishized happiness where life has been at its most miserable. That is, modern technology does not bring happiness.

Since the 19th century, technology has changed our lives in many ways. On one hand, there is the positive effects of technology. It has contributed to the reduction of the mortality rate in society due to bring higher education and greater material wealth. Today, life expectancy in Europeans has climbed past 80. However, people does not seem to be glad to be alive. They are more anxious, trust government and business less, and get divorced more often. It is because life is so stressful and burdensome. For the appearance of technological devices such as television and computer, people spend most of their time sitting in front of screens. They hardly find time for face-to-face communication or go out to enjoy nature’s beauty.

In addition, the negative effects of modern technology is obvious. Nuclear technology can cause modern battle with the accessibility of many kinds of dangerous guns, deadly weapons and antipersonnel bombs. Once the wars happens, it causes lots of grievous damage: disastrous fields, dead people and diseases. Therefore, by giving an impulse to the modern wars, new technologies have decreased our happiness.

Modern technology had become a real evil in our lives. It exists to meet specific needs but does not produce general happiness. We would be happier if we lived without new technologies.