Human mind, according to neurologists is one of the finest and most intricate machines ever created. It has the tendency to expand its ken, and a capacity to cogitate over various issues simultaneously. While other machines tend to wither and depreciate with time and usage, the human mind ameliorates its ken and hones its skills by the dint of diligent hard work, effort and application. Nevertheless, human mind is a machine, so it gets fatigued after working continuously for few hours, and therefore demands rest. The human mind allays itself by indulging in various recreational and leisure activities.
In the present day scenario, human mind has created a whole lot of machines and devices for various fields, and thus the field of leisure does not remain untouched. The technology today has become an integral and momentous part of our leisure time. Various technologies and devices such as, computers, i-pods, Mp3-players, radio, television, gym and sports equipments, automobiles et al are the creations of human mind. Needless to state, each one of them in one way or the other entertain humans during their leisure time. Some people like to relax while listening to music using Mp3-players and i-pods, others like building their physique by working out with heavy machinery in the gym, while few others appease their mind by going on a long drive. Furthermore, children spend their leisure time by playing games on a computer, engaging in sport activities such as basketball, soccer and cricket, or by watching cartoons and movies on the television. In addition to this, many people visit amusement parks to take a break from their normal routine, and spend time with their family. A limited usage of all these technologies helps a person to recuperate from the onus of work. Thus one can ascertain that, humans have become totally dependent on the technology for spending their leisure time.
In spite of the above stated facts, the impact of technology on leisure time has some dismal aspects too. Citing the above examples again, one has to plug in the earphones for listening to music using an i-pod or an Mp3-player. The sad part is that, people are unaware of the fact that, listening to music using earphones increases bacterial growth in the ear by 700 times. Moreover, teenagers today listen to music at a very high volume, but they seldom realize that this can damage their ear drums and cause a permanent loss of hearing. Furthermore, working out with machines in the gym and engaging in sports activities for a long period of time, causes physical fatigue and hence, makes a person feel lethargic and lazy. In addition to this, children watch television and play games on a computer for hours, but they do not realize that this can strain their eyes, as well as mind. As a result of this strain, children are unable to hone their skills and brush-up their concepts regarding various subjects, which further affect their academic performance. Additionally, people going for long drive in a car often drive at a proscribed speed thus, posing a threat to the life of passengers sitting inside the car, as well as people walking along the roadside. Moreover, people today prefer unjust use of technology, as stated above, rather than engaging in breathing and yogic exercises, which can pacify and soothe the human mind, body and soul simultaneously.
Hence, in summary, in the present day scenario humans depend totally on technology for their relaxation, and cessation of such dependence is almost impossible. Thus, it behoves one to use the technology judiciously, so as to derive out maximum benefits, for an unjust use can have a negative impact on human body, mind and soul.
TOEFL listening lectures: What aspect of USA Today does the professor mainly discuss?