For as long as technology has been integrated into our lives, people have lamented the scientific invasion of society. Today is no different. Just about everyone has some electronic device on them at all times — a cell phone in their pocket, MP3 player plugged into their ears or a laptop perusing the latest web phenomenon. Rather than harm us, these innovative devices enrich our lives on a daily basis.

A good example of this is the cell phone. Do you remember the time before cell phones became so ubiquitous? It was much harder to get in contact with people. Calling their home phone usually meant leaving a message with a family member or an answering machine. Trying to get together or just catch up on the latest news could easily turn into a game of phone tag.

Now, nearly everyone is reachable as long as they are in range. Finding where your friends on a Friday night is just a phone call away. Getting separated in a crowd is no longer a big deal. Texting is both an easy way to connect with friends and get emergency updates from the University. With the latest and greatest cell phones, such as the iPhone 3G, you will never need to ask for directions again. If you ever get lost, you can just pull up Google maps on your touchscreen.

Another area of our lives that technology has improved is music. Numerous people define themselves based on their auditory art. MP3 players allow us to carry hundreds of CDs worth of music with us so that we can catch up with the latest releases, enjoy our favorite music while studying or just relax. You cannot walk around campus without seeing dozens of students indulging in this pastime.

The digital revolution has also benefited aspiring troubadours. When you hear a new song on the radio, where is the first place you go to find out more? I bet your answer is MySpace. The social networking site has done much to revolutionize music distribution. In combination with music downloading programs such as iTunes, MySpace has made production and distribution achievable for even the most undercapitalized musicians. In many cases, MySpace is the sole Web site for a band.

Any discussion of social networking must mention the behemoth known as Facebook. While obsessive Facebook checking is definitely a concern, the Web site has made it much easier to keep in touch with friends located anywhere in the world. Creating an event and sending it to your friends is a quick and easy way to create a study group or organize an impromptu party. Facebook groups allow you to find people with similar interests.

Of course, there are downsides to the latest technological achievements. To avoid conversing with others, iPods can always be used. Facebook profile searches can cause trouble with a potential employer or even lead to cyberstalking. The availability of music downloads makes music piracy that much easier.

However, most people use technology in a manner to better themselves. For every cyberstalker, you have thousands of old friends getting back in touch. Your fancy new iPhone can be used to strike up a conversion just as easily as to avoid one.

New technology has always led to those who reminisce of the golden days that came before. We incorporate the latest gadgets into our lives because they benefit us much more than harm us. As long as people use the latest gadgets and devices responsibly, they will only enrich our lives.

Reach columnist Mike Noon at opinion@dailyuw.com.