Some believe that modern technology is increasing the gap between rich and poor people, while others disagree.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how I would prepare to answer this question:
1. Understanding the Question:
Main Topic: The impact of modern technology on the economic disparity between rich and poor people.
Task: Discuss both views (that technology is increasing the gap and that it isn’t) and then provide your own opinion.
2. Brainstorming Ideas:
Viewpoint 1: Technology is increasing the gap between rich and poor.
Economic Barriers: Advanced technology often requires significant investment, which might be accessible only to the wealthy.
Job Displacement: Automation and AI can lead to job losses in traditional sectors, affecting the economically vulnerable.
Digital Divide: Limited access to technology in impoverished areas can hinder opportunities.
Viewpoint 2: Technology does not necessarily increase the gap.
Access to Information: The internet provides vast knowledge and opportunities, leveling the playing field.
Remote Work Opportunities: Technology allows people from lower-income countries or regions to access global job markets.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Technology platforms (like social media or e-commerce sites) allow individuals to start businesses with minimal capital.
3. Organizing Ideas:
Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic and mention that there are contrasting views.
Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the first viewpoint (technology is increasing the gap) and provide the reasons and examples.
Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the opposing viewpoint (technology isn’t necessarily increasing the gap) with reasons and examples.
Body Paragraph 3 (Optional): If you have additional points or a different perspective, you can add another paragraph.
Conclusion: Summarize both views and clearly state your opinion.
4. Forming an Opinion:
For the sake of this guide, let’s say my opinion is that while technology has potential drawbacks, its benefits can be harnessed to bridge the economic gap if implemented correctly.
5. Writing the Essay:
Introduction:
Modern technology, with its rapid advancements, has been a topic of debate when it comes to its impact on economic disparities. While some argue that it widens the gap between the affluent and the deprived, others believe it offers opportunities to level the playing field.
Body Paragraph 1:
Proponents of the view that technology exacerbates economic disparities often point to the economic barriers associated with accessing advanced technology. For instance, automation in industries can lead to significant job losses, especially in sectors that employ a large number of manual laborers. Additionally, the digital divide, where impoverished regions lack basic internet facilities, further restricts the underprivileged from accessing global opportunities.
Body Paragraph 2:
On the other hand, many argue that technology acts as an equalizer. The internet, being a vast reservoir of information, offers everyone, regardless of their economic status, a chance to educate themselves and access global platforms. Furthermore, the rise of remote work and freelancing platforms allows individuals from economically disadvantaged regions to tap into global job markets. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Etsy have seen a surge of entrepreneurs who started with minimal investment.
Conclusion:
While the concerns associated with technology leading to economic disparities cannot be dismissed, it’s also undeniable that technology offers unprecedented opportunities. In my opinion, with the right policies and inclusive strategies, the benefits of technology can be harnessed to bridge, rather than widen, the economic gap.
