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It has long been proclaimed that technology is the salvation of the future. Companies are shifting their practices to automation, with assembly lines that are error-free. Machines are to be utilized, providing the improved speed and efficiency. There are to be no production flaws. There are to be no forgotten quotas. All days are instead to be tributes to perfection. The age of mechanics has finally arrived.
The effect it is having on industry is not entirely wanted, however.
While no one can refuse the benefits of technology, with the increased numbers of products and services, there is also no denying the sudden loss of jobs experienced by the common laborer. Machines are most often placed within factory environments, meant to streamline the assembly process and allow it to reach its full potential. And it does — but at the cost of positions for people.
Workers are being replaced and unemployment rates are rising ever higher, with more than eight percent of the country without jobs in 2010 alone. These rates are, of course, proof of many worries within the business world — such as low-wage laborers and outsourcing. However, automation plays a significant role and we must understand this before offering praises to the technological revolution.
In the quest for profits companies are too willing to send their workers away, allowing machines to take their places. It is said that the advantages are many: Production costs eliminated, resources spared and safety hazards avoided. It’s assumed that these are worthy compensations.
But the loss of employment means many individuals will then be forced to claim benefits and government assistance. This forms a strain on federal budgets, demands sudden increases of the deficit. The cause and effect process is unfortunate, and we must recognize this to better understand the issue in order to form opinions.
Technology does support businesses. It also harms laborers, however.