These days, most restaurants and cafes take orders using something called a "kiosk," an electric touchscreen. Even here at Daegu University, it's not hard to find places that use these machines to process payments.

The word "kiosk" is originally from Turkish and refers to a snack stand or a small store that sells newspapers and drinks. It's also an unmanned device installed in a public place so that people can receive news or process simple tasks.

Kiosks have became more prevalent all over South Korea due to COVID-19 and the unwillingness to making face-to-face contact. This allows stores to reduce personnel expenses, and it can be easier for people who find it hard to have conversations with strangers to order.

But these kiosks also have their disadvantages. The elderly, who have less access to new things and technology, and the disabled, who might not be able to see or touch the screen properly, may find it challenging to use them.

Additionally, the options displayed on the screens are mostly in English. If you want to order a warm coffee, you probably won't see the Korean word for "warm"; it will be in English as "HOT." Consequently, those who don't know English will take longer to understand the menus.

If technology is truly advancing, we need to consider ways to include all members of society, not just those who are more privileged than others.

L.L.F reporter Min-a Lee