---
title: "Short note: Technology as curse and blessing"
subject: "Technology, Environment and Society"
chapter: 1
key: "semester_7/technology_environment_and_society:tech-curse-and-blessing"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/technology_environment_and_society/tech-curse-and-blessing
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Short note: Technology as curse and blessing

Technology, Environment and Society · Chapter 1: Technology

- Asked in: 2075 Chaitra, 4 marks
- Video: [Technology Impact on Society~ Blessing or a Curse?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3gcNVVwAA4) — EL Films
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/technology_environment_and_society/tech-curse-and-blessing
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/technology_environment_and_society/chapter-1

## Question

Write a short note on: Technology both as a curse and a blessing.

## Short answer

Technology is a neutral double-edged tool. It is a blessing through medicine, communication, productivity and renewable energy, but a curse through weapons, pollution, unemployment and misuse like cyber crime. Its effect depends on ethical use, regulation and concern for people and nature.

## Answer

Technology is a double-edged tool. The same technology can improve human life (**blessing**) or harm people and the environment (**curse**), depending on how it is used.

**Technology as a blessing:**
- Medical technology (vaccines, X-ray, surgery) has increased life expectancy.
- Electricity, transport and communication make life easier and connect the world.
- Mechanisation and IT increase productivity, income and jobs.
- Online education and information empower people, including women and rural people.
- Renewable energy and early-warning systems help protect the environment and lives.

**Technology as a curse:**
- Nuclear, chemical and biological weapons can destroy humanity (Hiroshima and Nagasaki, 1945).
- Industrial pollution, deforestation and greenhouse gases cause climate change.
- Automation causes unemployment of unskilled workers.
- Misuse such as sex-selective abortion, cyber crime, privacy loss and fake news.
- Addiction to mobile phones and social media, sedentary life.
- Industrial accidents (Bhopal gas tragedy, 1984; Chernobyl, 1986).

**Example:** Nuclear energy can light cities or destroy them; the internet can educate or spread misinformation.

**Conclusion:** Technology is neutral; it is a blessing when used ethically, with impact assessment, regulation and concern for people and nature, and a curse when used only for profit or power.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Why is technology called both a curse and a blessing?
   A. Different technologies are either good or bad by nature
   B. The same technology can help or harm depending on how it is used
   C. It is a blessing in cities and curse in villages
   D. It is a curse only when old
   Answer: B. Technology is neutral and its effect depends on use. (Key point: Double-edged tool)

2. Which is given as a blessing of technology?
   A. Bhopal gas tragedy
   B. Medical technology increasing life expectancy
   C. Sex-selective abortion
   D. Social media addiction
   Answer: B. Vaccines, X-ray and surgery raise life expectancy. (Key point: Blessing example)

3. Which pair are cited as industrial accidents showing technology as a curse?
   A. Hiroshima and Nagasaki
   B. Bhopal (1984) and Chernobyl (1986)
   C. Kodak and Nokia
   D. Apollo and Sputnik
   Answer: B. Bhopal gas tragedy and Chernobyl are the industrial accident examples. (Key point: Curse example)

4. According to the conclusion, technology becomes a blessing when:
   A. It is used only for profit
   B. It is used ethically with impact assessment, regulation and concern for people and nature
   C. It is imported from abroad
   D. It replaces all workers
   Answer: B. Ethical use with regulation makes it a blessing; use for only profit or power makes it a curse. (Key point: Conclusion)

## Related in Technology, Environment and Society

- [Technology: opportunities, challenges and conflicts](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Ftechnology_environment_and_society%3Atech-opportunities-conflicts) — Technology, Environment and Society, chapter 1