CLASS: 12 ENGLISH CORE ASSIGNMENT/ASSESSMENT COMPREHENSION
(READING)
READ THE FOLLOWING PASSAGE CAREFULLY AND ANSWER THE QUESTIONS
THAT FOLLOW :
The Impact of Technology on Human Life
In today’s fast-paced world, technology has become an inseparable part of our daily lives. From
the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed, technology influences almost every aspect of
our existence. Whether it is through our smartphones, computers, or the appliances that make our
homes more comfortable, technology is omnipresent. But while we cannot deny its many
advantages, we must also consider its drawbacks, particularly its effect on human relationships,
work-life balance, and mental health.
In the past, human connections were built face-to-face, where conversations were more
meaningful, and relationships were stronger. However, with the advent of social media, instant
messaging, and video calls, communication has become more distant and sometimes shallow.
Though these technological advancements allow people to connect across long distances in a
matter of seconds, they often replace in-person interactions, which are essential for deep
emotional bonding. It is not uncommon to see families sitting together in a living room, each
member glued to their smartphone or tablet, rather than talking to one another. This shift in
communication patterns raises concerns about the quality of relationships and the erosion of
traditional social bonds.
Moreover, technology has had a significant impact on the workplace. The rise of automation and
artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed industries, improving efficiency and reducing the
need for manual labour. While automation can lead to cost reductions and increase productivity,
it has also led to the displacement of many workers. Jobs that once required human intervention
are now performed by machines, leaving workers with fewer opportunities for employment.
Furthermore, the ease of remote work, enabled by digital platforms, has created a blur between
work and personal life. Many people find themselves working longer hours, as the boundary
between “office time” and “home time” has become increasingly difficult to define. This
constant connection to work is one of the main contributors to stress and burnout in the modern
workforce.
In addition to its influence on social interactions and the workforce, technology has had an
undeniable impact on mental health. While the internet offers countless resources for education,
entertainment, and socialization, it also brings with it a set of challenges. Social media, for
instance, has been linked to feelings of loneliness and anxiety, especially among younger
individuals. The constant exposure to idealized images of others’ lives often leads to a distorted
sense of reality and can negatively affect self-esteem. The pressure to present a perfect image on
platforms like Instagram and Facebook can create unrealistic expectations, leaving individuals
feeling inadequate or unhappy with their own lives.
Another significant concern related to technology and mental health is the overuse of screens.
With more people spending prolonged hours in front of computers, phones, and televisions, there
has been a noticeable increase in cases of eye strain, poor posture, and sleep disturbances. The
blue light emitted by screens is known to interfere with the body’s production of melatonin, a
hormone that regulates sleep. As a result, many individuals suffer from poor sleep quality, which
in turn affects their productivity and overall well-being.
Despite these challenges, it is important to acknowledge that technology also brings about
positive changes. The healthcare sector, for example, has benefited greatly from advancements in
medical technology. From robotic surgeries to telemedicine, technology has allowed for more
precise and effective treatments. Furthermore, the ability to access information and communicate
with experts globally has revolutionized the way healthcare is delivered. Technology has also
played a key role in environmental conservation. Innovations such as renewable energy
technologies, electric vehicles, and smart agriculture have the potential to combat climate change
and reduce the carbon footprint.
The key to balancing the benefits and drawbacks of technology lies in how we use it. It is crucial
to strike a balance between taking advantage of the conveniences and efficiencies that
technology offers, while also safeguarding our mental and physical health, and preserving the
quality of our relationships. Being mindful of our screen time, taking breaks from technology,
and engaging in face-to-face interactions are important steps toward ensuring that technology
enhances, rather than detracts from, our well-being.
In conclusion, technology is a double-edged sword. While it has brought about immense
progress and improvements in various fields, it also poses challenges that we must address. The
responsibility lies with us to use technology in a way that promotes personal growth, well-being,
and meaningful connections, while also minimizing its negative impacts. The future of
technology should not only focus on innovation but also on creating solutions that improve the
overall quality of human life.
1. What is the primary concern regarding technology and human relationships as
mentioned in the passage? a) Technology helps build deeper emotional bonds. b)
Technology makes face-to-face communication less meaningful. c) Technology leads to
stronger family connections. d) Technology has no impact on relationships.
2. How has technology affected the workplace, according to the passage? a) It has
reduced productivity in various industries. b) It has led to the displacement of workers
due to automation. c) It has created more opportunities for manual labor. d) It has caused
workers to work shorter hours.
3. What is one of the negative effects of prolonged screen use mentioned in the
passage? a) Improved posture. b) Reduced eye strain. c) Better sleep quality. d) Sleep
disturbances due to blue light exposure.
4. What mental health issue is linked to social media, as mentioned in the passage? a)
Increased happiness and self-esteem. b) Feelings of loneliness and anxiety. c) Enhanced
social interactions and emotional bonding. d) Better mental well-being and personal
growth.
5. According to the passage, what has been a major benefit of technology in
healthcare? a) Increased number of traditional medical practices. b) Innovations such as
robotic surgeries and telemedicine. c) Reduced access to healthcare services. d) Limited
advancements in medical treatments.
6. What is a key contributor to stress and burnout in the modern workforce? a) The
rise of artificial intelligence. b) The blurring of boundaries between office time and
personal time. c) Lack of technological advancements in the workplace. d) Reduced
communication through digital platforms.
7. How does technology affect self-esteem according to the passage? a) It improves self-
esteem by providing a sense of achievement. b) It leads to unrealistic expectations and
distorted reality. c) It has no effect on self-esteem. d) It promotes positive self-image
through social media.
8. Which of the following is a suggested way to balance the benefits and drawbacks of
technology? a) Spending more time on social media. b) Avoiding all forms of
technology. c) Engaging in face-to-face interactions and taking breaks from screens. d)
Using technology exclusively for work purposes.
9. What role has technology played in environmental conservation? a) It has contributed
to the depletion of natural resources. b) It has had no impact on environmental
conservation. c) It has introduced innovations like renewable energy and electric
vehicles. d) It has increased global warming and carbon footprints.
10. What is the "double-edged sword" metaphor used to describe in the passage? a) The
rapid pace of technological advancements. b) The balance between the positive and
negative impacts of technology. c) The effectiveness of automation in workplaces. d) The
ease of remote communication and work.
