Homo sapiens are considered as the most intelligent species living on the planet Earth and undoubtedly they are. With the passage of time a salient evolution of humans can be detected. With the progression of human minds, a plethora of inventions done by humans has changed the whole outlook of the world. Meanwhile, there are myriad inventions of which the whole mankind will forever be thankful, whereas, not all the inventions are exceptional but few of them are dreadful. Now, let’s take a look at 10 most destructive inventions of mankind.
Plastic
The credit of inventing plastic cannot be given to a single individual. In 1856, first man-made plastic was invented by Alexander Parkes. Later, John Wesley Hyatt improved over Parkes work and invented celluloid in 1869. Then in 1907, Leo Baekland invented Bakelite, which was the first synthetic plastic made from a chemical compound called phenol formaldehyde.
The history of plastic is complex and involves the collective efforts of many scientists, engineers, and inventors over the years.
Plastic can be considered as a boon but more a curse. Polyethylene Terephthalate, High-Density Polyethylene, Polypropylene, and Polyvinyl Chloride are the types of plastic that takes several hundred years or more to decompose, whereas, Polystyrene is a plastic type that takes thousands of years to decompose. Hence, plastic is concluded as a very hazardous for the environment.
Furthermore, bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates found in many plastics contaminate soil, water, and air which leads to health issues, including reproductive disorders, hormonal imbalances, and mental issues, as well as cancer and neurological disorders. Additionally, plastic can also affect marine life through ingestion and entanglement, leading to internal injuries, starvation, and habitat disruption. Moreover, microplastics can cause physical physical harm and toxicological effects in animals.
Social Media
Before the internet age platforms like Bulletin Board Systems(BBS) and usenet were used for social interactions which laid groundwork for social media. In the late 1990s, Six Degrees is often considered as one of the earliest social networking sites. Later, Friendster and MySpace launched in 2002 and 2003, respectively, popularised the concept of social media. Then, in 2004, Facebook was introduced to the world which revolutionised the whole interface of social media. Further, the launch of social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram changed the whole outlook of how the world works.
Social media can be proven as very useful as it links people who are residing far away from their loved ones. Furthermore, there are a lot more benefits such as information sharing, community building, networking and professional development, educational purposes, and promotion and marketing.
Moreover, there are myriad demerits of social media as well. One of which is its addictive nature due to which according to Social Media Addiction Statistics(2023) shows that an estimated 210 million people worldwide suffer from addiction to social media and the internet. It further leads to health deterioration, spread of misinformation, privacy concerns impact on relationships, cyberbullying and online harassment and the list goes on. Hence, social media is one of the most destructive inventions of humankind.
Related:The Social Media Revolution: Understanding its Profound Impact on Our Daily Lives
Tobacco
According to archeological studies the use of tobacco dates back around the first century BC and is believed to have originated in the Central America, where indigenous people cultivated and consumed tobacco plants long before the arrival of Europeans.
Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable death and disease worldwide. According to the reports of World Health Organization(WHO) more than 8 million people are killed by tobacco, which includes 1.3 million non-smokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke.
Furthermore, consuming tobacco is linked to a whole range of health conditions, including cancer(lung, throat, mouth, bladder) cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease( such as COPD) and stroke. Moreover, it also affects the health of non-smokers who are in contact with secondhand smoke.
In addition, tobacco contains nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can lead to physical dependence. Nicotine addiction makes it challenging fro individuals to quit smoking or using tobacco products, even when they are aware of the associated health risks.
Pesticides
From thousands of years humans have been using substances to control pests such as Ancient Sumerians, Egyptians, and Greeks, and used natural substances such as sulphur, arsense, and plant extracts to repel pests. Later, in 1867, Swiss Chemist Jean Pierre Metox, created the first synthetic insecticide, Paris Green. In the early 20th century, the discovery of organochlorine compounds, such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), revolutionised pest control.
In addition to insecticides, the mid-20th century saw the development of herbicides for weed controls such as 2,4-D and glyphosate.
According to United Nation reports an average of around 200,000 people die per year due to the toxic exposure of pesticides. Furthermore, pesticides have been linked to various health problems in humans, including cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, hormone disruption and birth defects, sterility and neurological effects.
In addition, pesticides can contaminate soil, water, and air, leading to pollution and harming non-target organisms. Moreover, pesticides also impacts the pollinators and contaminates water sources which further endangers the aquatic habitat.
Soda pop
Joseph Pristley, an english chemist , discovered the process of carbonation in 1767. This paved the way for the creation of carbonated beverages. Later, in May 1885, Dr John Stith Pemberton, a pharmacist, created a syrup for coca-cola. Which was initially added to wine but later due to legal restrictions, it was being added to carbonated water along with sugar.
Soda pop popularity serged in the 20th century, due to effective marketing campaigns by companies like coca-cola and pepsi. Nowadays, there are nearly 450 different drinks in the market.
In the present scenario, the plethora of people enjoy soft drinks due to its refreshing taste and variety of different flavours. But its few merits cannot outshadow the demerits of soda pop which are far more dangerous.
In addition, one of the most significant drawbacks of soft drinks is its high sugar content, which can lead to increased risk of chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, and dental problems. Moreover, it contains empty calories, is acidic in nature and can lead to caffeine dependence.
Related:The Invention of Coca-Cola: A Revolutionary Beverage
Artificial Sweeteners
The invention of artificial sweeteners dates back to the late 19th century with the discovery of saccharin in 1879 by Constantain Fahlberg, a chemist followed by the discovery of Cyclamate(1937), Aspartame(1965), and Sucralose(1976).
There are a lot of merits of artificial sweeteners which include low calorie options, blood sugar control, dental health, and its versatility.
The demerits cannot be ignored which poses more severe health threats. Artificial sweeteners can result in metabolic disorders, weight gain, and disruption of the gut. Moreover, in some individuals, consumption of artificial sweeteners may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including bloating, gas and diarrhoea.
Cars
The invention of the automobile began with the early concept in the 15th century, evolving through steam power experiments in the 18th and 19th century. Karl Benz’s 1886 Benz Patent-Motoruagen marked a significant milestone with its gasoline powered engine and practical design.
Furthermore, Henry Ford’s Model 7, introduced in 1908, revolutionised the industry through mass production techniques. Subsequent technological advancements, from powerful engines to autonomous driving technology, have continued to shape the automotive landscape.
Cars provide unparalleled convenience in transportation, allowing individuals to travel long distances quickly and easily. In addition, cars have the merits of freedom and flexibility, accessibility and comfort. Moreover, the automotive industry creates jobs and contributes significantly to economic growth through manufacturing, sales and related services.
Although cars have myriad advantages, we cannot ignore the hazardous disadvantages. The major demerit of cars is its environmental impact. Cars contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change and negatively impact public health. According to International Energy Agency Data(IEAD) cars and vans accounted for 48 percent of global transport carbon dioxide emissions in 2022.
Furthermore, traffic congestion, safety concerns, dependency on fossil fuels are few more demerits of cars. In addition, building and maintaining roads, highways, and parking infrastructure required to support car travel can be costly and divert resources from other priorities.
Pop-up ads
The invention of pop-up ads is credited to Ethan Zuckerman, who created them in the mid-1990s while working at Tripod.com, a web hosting service. Although pop-up ads are not that much of a bother, still they are annoying and dangerous. Even, Zuckerman himself later expressed regret for his role in popularising pop-up ads, as they became associated with intrusive and annoying online advertising practices.
Pop-up ads are considered a curse for several reasons which include intrusiveness, distraction, negative user experience, slow page loading, security risks. Alongside, the widespread use of ad-blocking software reflects user’s dissatisfaction with pop-up ads and other intrusive advertising practices resulting in lost revenue for websites that rely on advertising for monetization.
Tanning Beds
Tanning beds were invented in the early 20th century by Friedrich Wolff, a German scientist, who developed the technology to treat skin conditions. The first tanning bed used UV lamps to simulate sunlight exposure, aiming to promote vitamin D production.
The use of tanning beds poses significant health risks as it emits ultraviolet(UV) radiation, which can damage the DNA in skin cells and increase the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma.
In addition, tanning beds can lead to premature ageing, eye damage, weak immune system, uneven tanning and sunburns, addiction and psychological effects.
Alcohol
The earliest evidence of alcohol was traced back in 7000 BC, in China. Recently, chemical analysis have confirmed that the oldest known alcoholic beverage was a blend of fermented rice, honey, and hawthorn fruit, possibly with addition of grapes.
Today, alcohol is consumed in various forms worldwide, but its production and consumption are also associated with a range of social, health, and cultural implications.
Alcohol, when consumed in moderation, may have some potential merits, including social lubricant, cardiovascular health, cultural and ritual significance, and culinary uses. In addition, the alcohol industry generates significant economic activity, providing employment, tax revenue, and supporting various sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and hospitality.
Furthermore, alcohol consumption can lead to addiction and dependency, and excessive alcohol consumption is associated with a range of health problems including liver disease, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, neurological disorders, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety, The World Health Organization estimates that alcohol kills three million people throughout the world every year.
In addition alcohol can lead to impairment judgement and coordination, social and interpersonal problems, legal consequences and financial burden.
From plastic pollution to social media addiction, each innovation bears its own destructive weight. Even seemingly benign inventions like cars and pop-up ads leave lasting scars. As we ponder these creations, we realize the need for responsible innovation. Only by considering their consequences can we ensure a future where progress benefits both humanity and the planet.