Chiu 1 Survival Mode: On? Humans have proven to be quite stubborn throughout history having faced "...

portentous events in both social and natural orders: plagues, wars, famines..."(Punter). Yet, with the evolution of technology, medicine, and other sciences the human population has drastically increased. "According to the United Nations, world population reached 7 billion on October 31, 2011."(worldometers.info) Due to human's natural sense of curiosity and need to improve, countless lives have been saved, communication has become broader reaching all sides of the world, new facts about the earth are constantly discovered, and the responsibilities that come with life have been simplified. The world, however, has a way of maintaining balance; as people enjoy the benefits, they in turn experience the consequences. The human race might be due for a crisis of epic proportions as the earth's resources continue to be drained at a quick rate. Chances of surviving grim as humans have enjoyed a long period of luxury and instant gratification that has dulled their survival instincts. Electricity is a major source of power, especially for a society that heavily relies on technology to perform day-to-day activities. If the day were to come when these luxuries were unavailable, mass panic would ensue. With the exception of specially trained groups, most will find themselves confused and desperate, unable to act rationally. Forced to rely on dulled instincts and amateur survival skills, the human race will be placed in an apocalyptic scenario where their ability to adapt will be tested. What is the first thought that comes to mind when thinking of an apocalypse? The resurrection of the dead perhaps, a commonly used example from films and novels: the Zombie Apocalypse. Remove the flesh eating monsters and it would be the closest scenario imaginable;

Chiu 2 the 'monster', instead, replaced by the lack of technology.. Like in some films, the first course of action cooperation between the government and law enforcement. They'll keep the people from mass hysteria by informing the public the government has everything under control and to wait indoors until further notice.. Yet, unable to use technology, access to the media would be impossible. It would be a matter of time before governments lose their ability to govern their countries, forcing citizens to depend on themselves. It is debatable, however, as to who would act first: the government or its people. If the government were to act first, then the assumption that they were the perpetrator behind the end of technology and power sources such as electricity would rise. If the situation was reversed, the people being the first to act, the world will fall into a state of chaos and disorder. In this apocalyptic scenario, most appliances and electronics will refuse to work. The blinking light seen on televisions that keeps people up at night - gone, the time on microwaves keeping families on schedule - missing, and home security systems that would welcome one home - silent. Students will find computers automatically shutting down, a formidable obstacle with projects nearing their due dates. Employees will come face-to-face with a complication never experienced before as presentations and assignments are put on hold; their company's reputation on the line. Governments will be in disarray as communication proves to be a difficult for both the local and international level. Once the mass comprehends that electronics and electricity did not just go out temporarily, but permanently on a global scale, havoc will result. Trade will decline because of the lack of communication between governments. People too busy worrying about themselves, unable to see the consequences, created by the negligence of their responsibilities as a society. Without trade, resources such as oil will become scarce. Transportation will be limited to bicycles and wherever two feet can take an individual.

Chiu 3 Businesses and other corporations will be unable to supply hospitals, supermarkets, and other stores. The status of goods would change to limited availability as factories will not be able to produce and stores unable to restock. Aware of this, people will be desperately stocking up on resources such as nonperishable foods, water, first aid kits, and other items necessary for emergencies. Shelves will be emptied, floors will be cluttered, isles crowded with the emotionally unstable. If verbal and physical altercations occur over an article of clothing during holiday sales then fights will surely result with the end of technology and electricity. Accustomed to living luxurious lives provided by technology, people have seen no use in learning basic survival skills. Most people are not trained, physically or mentally, to handle a true disaster. Individuals will make rash decisions as they experience a flood of emotions. However, as Dr. Jim Taylor stated, "Our "flight-or-fight" reaction may be the best-known expression of our survival instincts." The flight-or-fight reaction is a psychological response when an individual's survival is threatened. "Vanquishing the threat through fighting or distancing it through fleeing...", a simplified description by Dr. Jim Taylor. Humans have been walking this planet for thousands of years because of their survival instincts and adaptability. This may not be enough to ensure survival in future years as life has become much more complex due to technological advancement (Taylor). The dependence on technology and electricity has dulled this reaction and could prove to be critical in an apocalyptic scenario. For those who find the ways and means to drive, will find the roads to be a dangerous obstacle course. Emotions such as anxiety, fear, and distrust will dictate people's decisions. Deaths will rise as medicine and medical treatments become scarce. Polluted water that has not received treatment in weeks will increase death tolls. There will be a tremendous rise in crime as people threaten, steal, and kill to get what they need to ensure their survival. As David Ropeik

Chiu 4 stated, "Large scale violence happens for the same reason that most violence does. When we are threatened, we often protect ourselves with physical force. And it's not something we think about. It's instinctive." What was once a structured and organized civilization will turn into a primitive culture. The question posed, though, is if 21st century instincts that have long been buried be enough to ensure mankind's survival? Though the inability to use technology will give way to chaos, history has proven time and time again, humans will triumph. The need to unite for the sake of mankind's preservation will grow within individuals, gaining momentum. Trust will slowly develop, making team-work possible. Responsibilities will be divided easing the workload. Schools will become operational and regain importance. Skills such as fishing, hunting, cooking, and first aid will be prioritized. People will value the nature as it will provide for most resources. Revival of communication will lead to strengthened bonds, improving home life. The world will come together and overcome their dependency on technology. Hopefully, mankind's adaptability will allow them to continue to walk the earth for thousands of years to come. Civilizations were able to go about each day without the aid of technology and power sources such as electricity, long ago. With technology, day-to-day responsibilities have been simplified, decreasing the stress on the human mind and body. However, society had become far too dependent, dulling their survival instincts. Humanity will continue to evolve and move forward if they can see the value in cooperation and communication, skills that will play a key role in their chances of survival. Whether they will rise or fall is debatable. Human beings are tipping the scale the world so often keeps balanced. One day mankind will be forced to rely on their instincts, forced to overcome the effects of a world lacking in what they depend on most: technology.

Chiu 5 Works Cited Punter, Jennie. "Apocalypse New?" Queen's Quarterly 117.1 (2010): 104+. Academic OneFile. Web. 24 Mar. 2014. Ropeik, David. "An End to War Vs. the Animal Instinct to Survive." The Huffington Post. 15 June 2010. Web. 24 Mar. 2014. Taylor, Jim. "Is Our Survival Instinct Failing Us?" The Huffington Post. 12 June 2012. Web. 24 Mar. 2014. "World Populations." Worldometers. Dadax, n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2014.