If someone calls you a Luddite, it is probably because you h…

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If sоmeоne cаlls yоu а Luddite, it is probаbly because you have complained, for whatever reason, about the dangers or failures of technology. Perhaps you have denounced the automobile industry because a failed computer chip causes your car to stall in the middle of heavy traffic. Or you threatened to cancel your credit card because it wouldn't work at the pay-at-the-pump gas station. Or you complained loudly when your employer fired you because the computer was more efficient than you. The New Columbia Encyclopedia tells us that Luddites were workers in England who, between 1811 and 1816, destroyed textile machines they felt caused reduced wages and unemployment. They rioted in the name of a mythical figure called Ned Ludd, or King Ludd. Since then, Luddite has come to mean anyone opposed to technological change. Computer hackers, for example, use technology to develop and release viruses whose purpose is to infect and, thus, destroy business and corporate computer files. Most of today's Luddites, however, aren't violent. They don't riot, don't break into factories or warehouses and smash computers or other machinery. Suspecting that technology is more of a threat than a blessing, they secretly, sometimes loudly, denounce technological developments. Their hearts sing when the slide projector jams or repeats the same frame over and over. They cheer when the company computer comes down with a virus. They smirk when they read that pornography is readily available on the Internet and that pederasts and other unsavory types have access to children through computer chat rooms. In short, pointing to the negative byproducts of technology, they purse their lips, nod, and mutter, So what did we expect? Nonviolent Luddites may grudgingly admit that microwaves and automatic washers, dryers, and dishwashers have removed most of the chore from family chores. They concede that technological contributions to medical science provide many people better health and longer life. Although they acknowledge that the automobile expedites their commutes from home to college to work and home again, they emphasize that the proliferation of cars and trucks is responsible for air pollution, traffic jams, road rage, and highway carnage. Although they grant that airplanes allow virtually anyone to tour the world, they point out that they also provide an avenue for drug smugglers and are relatively easy targets for hijackers and assassins. Although they admit to the efficacy of atomic energy, they nevertheless point to the potential mass-destruction in atomic weapons. Luddites bemoan the fact that ATM machines and bank and fast-food drive-throughs eliminate the personal in customer relations. Finally, although agreeing that a cell phone is a handy tool for a driver stranded on a lonely stretch of interstate, the Luddite fears and deplores the cell phones used by drivers who, instead of watching the road, dial their phones as they weave in and out of traffic. According to the passage, most of today's Luddites

Gоniоmetry shоuld be аvoided in which of the following situаtions?