Some people think that in the modern world we are more dependent, while others think that people have become more independent.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

The modern world as we know it, has connected individuals and countries on a global level. While this interconnectedness is believed to bring more dependence on different aspects, including technology, some argue that humankind has never been this much independent in history.

Those who believe in our independence argue that global economy and international trade have curbed the role of local suppliers as factories can buy their own raw ingredients from every corner of the world. It means company owners can act in a more independent manner as local providers are not their only option. For example, a small shoe factory in South Africa can go online and order the leather it needs from the cheapest, highest quality provider, as opposed to the time when it used to be dependent on local and national providers only and therefore had to buy at a higher price or lower quality. However, whether the changes in local supply and demand chain can be regarded as signs of great independence is a moot point.

On the flip side, we have become fully dependent on the internet. Online shopping is now an everyday routine which requires constant internet connection. Even use of household appliances is mostly dependent on internet connection. Products such as Alexa take full responsibility for electricity and gas in one’s house through full-time connection to internet. Another example of dependence is transportation which is mostly based on gasoline supply. Most of the vehicles around the world work with combustion engines which require gasoline. The cut-off in supply chain of gas or a sudden spike in its price can shatter transportation. This is a sign of full dependence. These changes, alongside many others, have convinced me that human society has never been more reliant on different things, including energy and internet connection.

In conclusion, being connected on a global scale, countries can have wider range of options in trade, meaning that we have gained some independence compared to our ancestors. Yet, our full dependence on internet and transportation has kept human being fully in need of different things, making global trade opportunities look negligible.

Band 7.5⁺ written by Mahdi Modarres