The Drone Debate
Drones are a relatively new gadget on the market and there are many concerns surrounding its use. They were originally restricted to military use but have recently been placed in the hands of the public. The article “As Drone Popularity Rises, So Do Concerns” written by Christopher Maag outlines these problems and whether restrictions on drone use are needed or not. He explains perspectives of both sides of the argument about drone restrictions. Maag explains the drones cool new technology; he accurately explains the drones easier flight technology, uses for recreation, and the possibility of invasion of privacy.
Drones are becoming extremely popular in the United States as gifts and toys for many people. According to Maag, $720 million worth of sales will happen next year in the drone industry. This means drone technology will increase with the demand. With the increase of drones, the number of tasks you can use them for will also increase. Some tasks may be illegal, others for good purposes. There are very few laws surrounding the use of drones, this creates a grey area for drone enthusiasts to attack. Drones have many different purposes and abilities and that is what makes them unique. Many people like drones and their various uses while others find them as pests. All in all, the debate concerning drones is happening and many do not know which side to choose.
The first problem with drones is that they are new technology and the general public can always find problems with new technologies. Maag states, “Others worry that drones could be used to invade people’s privacy” (Maag par. 23) Most drones on the market are equipped with small cameras that are able to record video and take pictures. This function could be used to violate someone's privacy. Also, small drones are able to fly about without being easily noticed. This could make a great spy tool for many people to use to invade privacy. This may be a major concern to many people, but it is not the only one found with this new gadget.
An argument in favor of drones states that drones would be an awful tool for invading privacy. Maag elaborates, “A strong pair of binoculars is much more effective as a spying tool than a drone that flies for a few minutes at a time and buzzes like a flock of angry hornets, said Michael Drobac, executive director of the Small UAV Coalition, an industry trade group for drone manufacturers and would-be users.” (Maag par. 31) Drones are fairly noisy with multiple rotors humming as they fly through the air. This would be very noticeable as it buzzed around trying to get within range. Drobac states that binoculars would be a much more effective tool than a drone, and I can agree with that. I own a strong pair of hunting binoculars, and even at long distances they are crystal clear and give me a great view of my surroundings. I believe these could be more effective in many situations than an obnoxiously loud drone.
Drones are evolving into manageable flying machines that can be operated by anyone. The author states many facts about the increasing technology. Maag describes, “With four rotors and advanced microchips to help stabilize flight, drones are easier to fly than traditional radio-controlled planes and helicopters. They also move differently, replacing an airplane’s fluid dips and arcs with the sharp pivots of a robot. Drones take off vertically, leaping straight into the sky. At altitude, a drone’s computer can be synced with global positioning coordinates, causing the craft to change course with an abrupt snap before zooming off.” (Maag par. 9) This technology makes it easier for the drones to be flown and operated. The GPS feature could be used to direct the drone long distances without a camera. These new features could be used as a spy tool, but this would not be there only use. They could be used for entertainment with this technology as well.
Maag fantastically describes the technology, uses, and problems of the new gadget.The drone debate has been a serious topic in the last few years as the technology of drones has increased. At first, drones were strictly for military use only, but now they are available almost everywhere for anyone. I agree that drones are a fun, new entertainment gadget; I also believe they need restrictions regarding their use and functions. Next time I see a drone, I will think about this fantastic article and the valuable information it has brought to me. Maag fantastically describes the technology, uses, and problems of the new gadget.
Works Cited
Maag, Christopher. "As Drone Popularity Rises, so Do Concerns." Newsela. Newsela, 15 Dec. 2014. Web. 1 Oct. 2015. <https://newsela.com/articles/drone-popularity/id/6378/>.
Drones are becoming extremely popular in the United States as gifts and toys for many people. According to Maag, $720 million worth of sales will happen next year in the drone industry. This means drone technology will increase with the demand. With the increase of drones, the number of tasks you can use them for will also increase. Some tasks may be illegal, others for good purposes. There are very few laws surrounding the use of drones, this creates a grey area for drone enthusiasts to attack. Drones have many different purposes and abilities and that is what makes them unique. Many people like drones and their various uses while others find them as pests. All in all, the debate concerning drones is happening and many do not know which side to choose.
The first problem with drones is that they are new technology and the general public can always find problems with new technologies. Maag states, “Others worry that drones could be used to invade people’s privacy” (Maag par. 23) Most drones on the market are equipped with small cameras that are able to record video and take pictures. This function could be used to violate someone's privacy. Also, small drones are able to fly about without being easily noticed. This could make a great spy tool for many people to use to invade privacy. This may be a major concern to many people, but it is not the only one found with this new gadget.
An argument in favor of drones states that drones would be an awful tool for invading privacy. Maag elaborates, “A strong pair of binoculars is much more effective as a spying tool than a drone that flies for a few minutes at a time and buzzes like a flock of angry hornets, said Michael Drobac, executive director of the Small UAV Coalition, an industry trade group for drone manufacturers and would-be users.” (Maag par. 31) Drones are fairly noisy with multiple rotors humming as they fly through the air. This would be very noticeable as it buzzed around trying to get within range. Drobac states that binoculars would be a much more effective tool than a drone, and I can agree with that. I own a strong pair of hunting binoculars, and even at long distances they are crystal clear and give me a great view of my surroundings. I believe these could be more effective in many situations than an obnoxiously loud drone.
Drones are evolving into manageable flying machines that can be operated by anyone. The author states many facts about the increasing technology. Maag describes, “With four rotors and advanced microchips to help stabilize flight, drones are easier to fly than traditional radio-controlled planes and helicopters. They also move differently, replacing an airplane’s fluid dips and arcs with the sharp pivots of a robot. Drones take off vertically, leaping straight into the sky. At altitude, a drone’s computer can be synced with global positioning coordinates, causing the craft to change course with an abrupt snap before zooming off.” (Maag par. 9) This technology makes it easier for the drones to be flown and operated. The GPS feature could be used to direct the drone long distances without a camera. These new features could be used as a spy tool, but this would not be there only use. They could be used for entertainment with this technology as well.
Maag fantastically describes the technology, uses, and problems of the new gadget.The drone debate has been a serious topic in the last few years as the technology of drones has increased. At first, drones were strictly for military use only, but now they are available almost everywhere for anyone. I agree that drones are a fun, new entertainment gadget; I also believe they need restrictions regarding their use and functions. Next time I see a drone, I will think about this fantastic article and the valuable information it has brought to me. Maag fantastically describes the technology, uses, and problems of the new gadget.
Works Cited
Maag, Christopher. "As Drone Popularity Rises, so Do Concerns." Newsela. Newsela, 15 Dec. 2014. Web. 1 Oct. 2015. <https://newsela.com/articles/drone-popularity/id/6378/>.