Technology, safety and exploration
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In this video, Susannah explains how technology now plays a crucial role in the ocean rowing, helping teams plan routes, understand weather and currents, and stay safe at sea.
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Now we have modern safety technology we can explore more.
Is this a good thing, or does it encourage people to take bigger risks?
You might want to structure your answer like this:
I think this is a [good thing/encourages people to take bigger risks] because [your reason, using an example from the video]. One effect of this technology is that [explain how it changes things like behaviour or decisions making]. However, others might argue that [alternative view].
Make sure you read the comments from other Topical Talkers and reply to someone whose opinion is different from yours.
Comments (24)
Hi every one, I'm Philosophical_fox and i think that technology really contributes positively to more safety in exploration for example drones are created to video or take the picture or image of some of these fierce or agressive animals or creatures and there are some animals that don't like to be seen so hidden cameras and drones improve and help in making exploration fun and safe. I hope this small explanaition helps you all. comment your different opinions on this let me know.
you make good points, philosophical_fox -- but does technology's increase to safety have a down side, in that it encourages people to take bigger risks?
Hey everyone. I am wise_plantain. Now, everything has its advantages and disadvantages. While technology has contributed positively by making exploration of water bodies safer and easier, it has its down sides like you rightly said. It actually encourages people to take more risks. Technology has increased safe exploration and reduced the risks of encountering danger, but it has not fully eliminated the risks of it. So there might be a possibility you can still encounter danger when exploring despite the advancement of technology you might be using.
Well, in my opinion I feel like it does. From Susannah, we learn that over the years, rowing has become relatively safer. This has encouraged her to make changes in the types of water bodies she rows on. The things with which she can do with technology are limited. She can signal for help, locate herself, read weather conditions, and make herself much more comfortable in her boat. But like all technology, there are limitations. Technology definitely helps to know the weather conditions, but in situations where the reading is not accurate, the results could be catastrophic. Imagine fogs and storms that are up ahead, but the rower continues to ride because his satellites did not detect it. The boat could easily be destroyed, and the rower could as well be injured. Before now, rowers stuck to paths that they had confirmed to be safe and suitable for the sport, but as better navigational technology has been introduced, rowers now dare to row on uncharted oceans and bigger bodies of water. This risk is now associated with the introduction of safer technology. It is good that technology helps to make sports safer, but there should also be a boundary at which athletes are not to cross because of technology.
THANK YOU.
Hello Topical Talker,
In my opinion, I think this is a good thing because Susannah gave examples of technology that really improve safety. For instance, devices can send emergency signals, GPS helps rowers know their exact location and weather apps can warn them about storms so they can avoid danger. I feel this makes ocean rowing less frightening and more possible for ordinary people not just experts. One positive effect is that rowers can choose safer routes by detecting storms early.
However, others might argue that some rowers might feel too safe because of technology. They might take bigger risks to explore , forgetting that technology can sometimes fail or break down. If that happens, they wouldn't be able to send signals or check the weather.
To conclude, I think it is important to use technology but we should not rely on it to take unnecessary risks. Technology helps us but risky situations may still lead to danger.
Thanks for reading ☺️
Hello prodigious_moon, I agree with your statement concerning the current topic. Technology has been of assistance to us especially during sports. Some athletes may endanger themselves or probably get missing during a game. Through some technological equipment like GPS, tracking these individuals would not be a hassle. Surveillance cameras prevent unauthorized entry to sport arenas which secure the athletes from negative incidences like kidnap or even armed robbery. With the use of modern equipment, monitoring movements and safety of individuals is guaranteed. It enables athletes focus on their performance without unnecessary risks. This merely depicts my perspective.
THANK YOU!😊
Well speaking from the opposing side, some devices might fail which will cause problems especially when is an inch away but that is where precaution comes into play. It is very important that rowers run some tests on the devices before setting sails to prevent failures and break downs.
But ultimately, I support the use of technology in ocean rowing. Rowers do not need to learn to read a compass anymore when they are lost, GPS got their back. I feel technology helps rowers get SOS when there are failures of equiptments.
I think this is a good thing, because safety is key while discovering something new and potentially dangerous, like rowing across oceans. Risk takers will always find a reason to get past the limits that were set for their own benefit, whether it's the safety provided by the technology or just their wish to explore. I, too, would have thought that without the modern benefits, like better health care and teams ready to find the adventurers, were they to get lost, almost no one would have wanted to make discoveries. But history proved me otherwise. There were plenty of incredibly brave people that went on dangerous trips for the sake of science, which means that there still are such individuals. From my point of view, the help of technology should be there to accommodate them and maybe even save their lives when necessary. However, others might argue that experts shouldn't be risking their lives on a daily basis, just because someone didn't properly realize the danger they were walking towards. For example, during summer time, there are way too many people that venture too far into the sea and then are unable to swim back. Lifeguards have to get them out of the water and risk their lives in the process, even though they told everyone not to enter the water during a storm or when they can't properly swim.
In conclusion, I think people are going to explore our world just the same knowing that they have access to modern safety technology, but they should be aware that it won't be of too much help if they act recklessly.
I think this encourages people to take bigger risks, reason been that this modern technology may give some individuals an untrue sense of safety; dependence on high technological safety equipment may lead to overconfidence of some individuals and can make such people jump into presumptuous acts because they think they have safety equipment, thereby causing them to take risks they wouldn`t attempt in their normal senses.
Another point of mine is that modern technology has made it easier for scientists and explorers to access and discover dangerous and extreme places like the outer space, deeper oceans, underground tunnels etc. This encourages researches that brings human into personal or face- to -face contact with hazardous or dangerous environments.
However, while this technology helps us to monitor and discover more of our world, the introduction of new technology can cause environmental or global crises like global warming when you look deeper into it (well...that`s by the way).
To conclude my points, modern technology on its own isn`t bad; in fact, it helps us explore better and broader. The problem is just that the risks and consequences of going further and higher are more and dangerous in my point of view.
However, with proper and extensive caution, modern technology can be used to our advantage and can help us explore more of our world.
Thankyou.
Hi tropical talkers. In my opinion, i would say that technology has really helped in the aspect of safety, but there are downsides as well, like causing rowers to feel to safe and take bigger risks. Also, with modern navigation systems like GPS, chart plotters, satellite communication and so on, the traditional ways of navigation in the sea can be slowly forgotten. Navigation is a big aspect of the sport, that can even be prioritised above the main physical aspect of rowing, so to allow technology to handle that part of the sport for us would be to take away a big and fundamental feature of ocean rowing from us. Rowers can also become too dependent on these devices to the point that they would be stranded at sea should they become faulty or spoil.
Rowers can use ancient methods used by the Vikings and Polynesians like sun navigation, watching nature and wildlife to determine the proximity of land and even basic tools like the compass and paper charts and still make it safely to shore.
To conclude, technology should not interfere with the aspect of navigation because it is a very important skill needed when on the sea. Safety of the athletes is important, but this skill is also needed to ensure they are ready for any circumstance.
I think that it's a good thing because Susannah clearly explained ,how safe and confident they are. Modern technology not only help them dive in sea,but also motivates them to take bigger risk and achieve great records. A diver dies into the sea with just suits, But when then they are coming out ,they will bring records and create lifetime moments. Instruments like dive computers and Scuba regulators really helps to keep them calm in risky situations. Technology fosters a deep emotional connection to the sea by bridging the gap between human and the mysterious underwater world. It transforms the diving experience into a tool for talent and empathy. I'm so obsessed with the unique perspective of her telling that Technology decreases the riskiness.
One of the most famous diver and ocean Explorer "Jacques Cousteau" invented the"Aqua- lung". It was the first ever successful open-circuit "demand regulator"system which allowed a diver to breathe compressed air only when they inhaled.
The Aqua lung was not just a technological find, it was the technological "Big Bang" for underwater exploration by transforming a deadly environment into a controlled playground for record breakers. So, this is not just invention but a success key for divers!
I agree because... technology helps in detecting and avoiding danger so risks are reduced that is to the best of my knowledge
hi everyone i am versatile_robin and am here to make my opinion on what mrs sussanah cass talked about.oOn how twchnology now plays a crucial role in the ocean rowing.
Technology has plenty attributes in our lives, society and country at large. Technology gives us comfortable and easy lives.
But let's look at safety (an amazing attribute that technology has brought us). Let's shine more light on the brief video we watched.
mrs. sussanah explained on how technology gives us safety on boat. If for example there are 2 brothers going for a trip on a boat and a storm is about to happen and at the same time there is a big rock beneath the ocean what shall they do?
With the aid of devices like radiators, which checks items that are on their paths ,GSM for giving their location and other devices which helps in safety.
The same goes for a house of 4 or 5 when they is presence of smoke or fire if a smoke detector is present it helps alert the family, that they is smoke meaning they is fire or something being burnt, helping them rescue and save themselves before the fire rescue team arrives.
Thanks for reading and remember, your life is important.
Hi everyone. Susannah really seems to know what she is doing and I have to commend her on her professionalism in this aspect.
Lets say GPS trackers now for location, if an emergency occurs at that instant, the live location is there for rescue teams to follow, cameras for view of the action and meteorology based apps for weather predictions, warnings and updates to keep safe.
Technology will tend to increase the chances of people being more opportunistic and going for them, though they should not forget that technology is not perfect, it can fail at any instant, you bet it, so people should not forget about their own abilities and should not just rely on technology all the time, but remember that they could still make use of basic safety precautions.
I think it allows people to take bigger risks, because your safety would already be highly guaranteed and because of the technology being used like the beacon and the GPS navigator, people would want to take a step further to achieve more impressive and more rewardable feats. Someone using something like the beacon would say" I have a beacon, so couldn't I just push to greater distances or more dangerous regions around the sea, since I could just call for help if I get in trouble". same for the GPS navigator people would want to row even greater distances over huge oceans and seas because they know exactly where they are at all times. Though some may still argue that it just makes ocean rowing safer because introduction of these pieces of technology actually guarantee safety like the GPS navigator now no one would just get stranded in the middle of nowhere not knowing what to do and with chances of being rescued slimming down to the bare minimum.
I think this a good thing it encourages people to overcome fear and go for it to accomplish a specific goal because fear makes you say statements like i can not do it, it is impossible, and that is where the problems starts from saying you can not, to making sure you will not risk it or do anything close to it, then to not giving up and forgetting about it.But when people are encouraged to do it by faith they will actually make new discoveries like in the video they found out that with the use of technology if by any means there is an emergency or danger the would be located and saved .
One effect of this technology is that it tells them where tides and currents and anything that can be dangerous are located and so that it can be avoided .
However some others argue about taking risks being dangerous but my reply to them is that it is better predicted so that it will not be repeated.
I think that technology isn't only a good thing or risk fan either. It's a mix of both that each target a certain type of people.
Some technologies like the locator might seem like a good think but in reality it tricks people into thinking that hey will always be safe and let them go on dangerous path or competitions, setting them up to the worst as this locator can run out of battery or even break and get lost, putting it's owners in a situation dangerous enough for them to die from shock.
Other techs ARE good, and would only result in a safer environment. An example could be a heart it breathing rate monitor as there is no wrong in that whatsoever.
All of the useful tech can all be good if mastered like how Susannah knows how to use monitors and emergency kit.
All tech are good when mastered
Hello everyone. I think this is an avenue for people to take bigger risks because they believe almost completely in technology which I don't fully believe, not everything in this world is perfect and might fail, this is in all due respect to producers, but this has made people take bigger risks, as they think that with the technology that we have they can never get lost at sea or have wrong weather predictions, let us think of "What Happens if this technology fails?" Which is why I suggest experience for these people before embarking on this kind of trips and also other safety measures to prevent loss of lives.
Another reason is because of the time factor whereby people might have to wait for days to be saved or rescued and could possibly die in the waiting process as it is an emergency not just a little ship rescue.
I think that other people may not agree with my point and think that with the distress signals, people can be saved by any boat, but Susannah personally stated that their boats are actually small and are hard to be found. This could cause problems for tanker ships which are moving goods and are not ideally concerned with this kind of actions because is not a part of their job description eventually causing delay in shipment of goods.
I think technology encourages people to take bigger risks,
‘cause it helps show the crazier the still safe
we can be coordinated wherever we are preventing being unsafe.
One effect of this tech is that we can do whatever we dream of
Even though, at the first glance it might be a bit off
Many will argue that people should think more critically
But mostly we people would sometimes think a bit not intelligently
(Note: I answered as a way of a poetry, I like writing poems♥️)
I think this is a good thing because modern technology in ocean rowing helps teams plan safer routes by understanding weather patterns and ocean currents, as Susannah explains in the video. This reduces the risk of getting caught in dangerous conditions and makes long ocean journeys more manageable. One effect of this technology is that rowers can make better decisions at sea, such as changing course early to avoid storms, which improves safety and confidence. However, others might argue that having advanced safety technology could encourage people to take bigger risks, believing that technology will always protect them, even in extremely challenging environments.
I think this is a bad thing to encourage people to take bigger risks because we don't know the future 100% and even if we used all safety precautions in a situation like boat travelling, they might face a shark or a whale or even a tsunami or a storm. Now in this situation could you tell me how their safety precautions will save them even if they called anyone for help it will take time for them to come and it will be too late.
One effect of this technology is that those safety precautions make people more confident than they must be causing disasters. A real-life example is Titanic everyone thought it is indestructible which gave people extra confidence especially its captain who didn't pay attention to the ship and many people died.
I think modern safety technology in ocean rowing is a really good thing because the ocean can be unpredictable and dangerous, even for experienced athletes. In the video, Susannah explains how teams use weather forecasts, GPS and information about currents to plan safer routes, which helps them avoid serious risks, and feel more confident.This changes behaviour because rowers take time to think carefully before making decisions instead of relying only on bravery or excitement.
However, some people might argue that having advanced technology could make rowers feel too safe and take bigger risks. If technology fails, the situation can quickly become dangerous. For example, relying on on weather apps or on emergency signals can be risky if devices stopped working in the middle of the ocean.
Overall, I believe that technology is a very helpful tool as long as rowers respect the ocean and understand that it should support good judgement, not replace it.
I think this is a good thing because modern safety technology essentially acts as an enabler of riskier, more complex maneuvers which allow the human race to surpass its own boundaries (safely). In the video, Susannah highlighted emergency systems (a distress beacon) as a core part of her being able to row safely. An addendum which I would like to add to this example would be things such as dynamic ropes and crash pads. These things have revolutionized their respective sports since they made it possible to actually practice and master difficult moves without fatal consequences which makes the limits of the sport advance. There's also the fact that safety technology changes the focus from being about sheer pure survival to about learning and exploring the limits of our minds and bodies. This doesn't just have to apply to sports, this could also apply to astronauts or maybe deep sea divers (even casually, not competitively). There's also the saying, 'Practice makes perfect.' which if you can practice safely then you can build true expertise.
However, others might argue that this encourages people to take bigger risks due to risk compensation. To put it simply: risk compensation is a sort of Mandela Effect which means that people might attempt things beyond their skills if they have some sort of safety net. This could mean that for example, a non-experienced climber tries taking a route which is clearly meant for more experienced climbers because they have the best rope and harness.
In conclusion, while human error still exists. I believe the positives outweigh the negatives.
I think this is a good thing because technology makes everything safer, detects risks early and enhances emergency responses. For example, as Susannah mentioned, they use chart plotters and GPS to give them precise data about where exactly they are in the ocean, which helps them not to get lost. Also, if they're facing any challenges, they use the emergency communication for help.
Without all of these technology devices, they would face millions of problems while rowing and would be in danger all the time. So, technology is playing a crucial role in protecting millions of rowers every day. Another thing that Susannah didn't mention is that technology may offer another equipment to balance the boat or provide wearable sensors to detect harmful changes in the body.
One other effect of this technology is that it makes them take the suitable and precise decisions based on the surrounding like the currents and wind patterns. Because one small, wrong decision may harm EVERYONE, while one small, correct action may help everyone.
However, others might argue that this encourages people to take bigger risks because they think people might feel "too safe" and therefore take bigger risks. I disagree with them because technology detects danger and send alarms to remind them with hazards.
HOW CAN A PERSON TAKE BIGGER RISKS AND HE KNOWS THAT THE CONSEQUENCES MIGHT HARM HIM\HER?
I think that the GPS is encouraging people to take bigger risks, but it is also extremely important and marvelous while rowing.
What is the GPS?
GPS (Global Positioning System) is a great helper for all people. It can be used in sports, cars, fishing and marine navigation. It can actually be used everywhere and in every situation.
What are the advantages of the GPS in rowing?
GPS is really important and it protects the rowers by navigating the routes. This helps them to stay on course without lifting away in unsafe and dangerous areas. It also alerts coaches if a rower strays off course. This keeps the rowers safe even if they were in the pacific. In competitions, it accurately tracks the pace and the distance of the rowers to tell them where they are or if they are winning or losing. The GPS sensors the dangers in the surroundings. GPS also can analyze the data and give the coaches the perfect pace and technique for the rowers.
How can the GPS make people take risks?
In my own point of view, if humans had a device telling when you die, they will take risks until the day they die in. Last year, I and my family went to the Mediterranean Sea. We spent there for 3 days. The first 2 days, the GPS was saying that the waves were too high, so no one dared to swim so deep. However, in the third day, the GPS said that it was safe to go deep consequently everyone was risking in the deep area even I was risking so deeply. All of the people risked their life because a system saying that it was safe.
To conclude, we must not take risks even if the GPS itself said that it was safe.
Okay, so Susannah's video really got me thinking about how much we're leaning on tech these days. Don't get me wrong, having GPS and live weather updates is a total lifesaver, but does anyone else feel like it's becoming a bit of a double-edged sword?
Think about it: if we have an app for everything, do we start losing that 'gut feeling' or the actual skill of reading the ocean? It's like when we use Google Maps to go everywhere and then realize we have zero idea how to get home if our phone dies. I'm worried that 'tech-dependency' is making us way too confident. If a rower thinks the tech is invincible, they might take risks they aren't actually ready for, creating this weird false sense of security.
Also, is it just me, or does knowing exactly what's coming next kind of take the 'soul' out of exploration? If you've mapped out every single wave using an algorithm, is it a wild adventure or just a really long workout?
And honestly, the money side of it is a bit sketchy too. If the best safety gear costs a fortune, are we basically saying only rich kids get to explore the ocean safely? We should be talking more about making this tech accessible so talent matters more than your bank account. What do you guys think-are we losing the 'human' part of the challenge?
From my point of view, having more safety will always be better than not having it. This because of several reasons.
Firstly, human beings has been taking risks to explore all over our existence (examples: Amelia Earhart, Neil Armstrong), so why not make it in a safier way. Every danger that can be eliminated is definitely a victory.
Secondly, people choose to go through that danger, so it's a personal decision which won't change because of the existence of technology. Someone who is willing to explore, will do it without mattering the risks, so making it in a safier way can help them in the end.
In conclusion, I think using technology for increasing the safety is quite good because it helps people and eliminates unnecessary dangers. Besides, it won't change people's minds in whether they will expose to danger or not in exploration.
What do you think about it?
I think technology has its advantages and disadvantages but it has done more good than harm. For example, it has helped in safety and exploration by helping to predict natural disasters(hurricanes, tornados, earthquake, etc.) and help prevent them. It also helps in weather forecasting which therefore enhances safety in sea exploration. The advancement of technology also encourages people to take risks but it still provide safety.
Hello,
I think modern technology is getting more advanced, which could help us earn about many things, although as AI ( artificial intelligence) runs on water from the Arctic which leads faster to arctic sea ice loss which leaves many polar bears and other animals who live in cold climates to suffer from habitat destruction! Another negative impact is that modern technology can become more addicting from apps like Tiktok and snapchat which consumes many people's time!
On the contrary, modern technology can help support our safety from hackers by making sure websites are more secure by creating anti-virus software, helps people to find information, such as a direction, the weather or any important information!
Lastly, my opinion is that yes technology makes the online world more safe although it also has many negative outcomes which weighs out.
Hi everyone
I think it’s really a good thing for us to have a very high hip advance technology for sports because it can reduce the risk of loss especially when football is being played. When the athletes playing a football has health issues and decides to keep it a secret it when he or she is about to get attacked or go down due to the sport technology it will signal the coach or the person in charge of it that the player is about to go down and that will be noted.
In conclusion, if there is no sport technology it will be a bit hard for us to cope even though it is a bit risky.