Technology and social change

¶ … technology and social change, and discusses how they are related.

Ever since the prehistoric eras, technology has had a role to play in the lives of human beings. Mankind has invented and perfected means of communicating, traveling, manufacturing goods, curing ailments, growing food, constructing edifies and meeting other requirements using technology. Thus, one may claim that by means of technology, we have transformed our world (ITEA, 1996; ITEA, 2006). At present, all human activities are reliant on different machines with technological dominance being at a record level in the current era. For instance, automobiles have transformed how and where individuals live, and a colossal infrastructure encompassing roads, service stations, bridges, rules and insurance policies has developed. Technology impacts individual participation in the democratic process and successively impacts what must be taken into account for preparing pupils to actively participate in democratic societies (Crowe, 2006).

Most specifically, social change implies the involvement of a large number of individuals in group dealings and tasks which differ from the interactions and activities that their parents (or even they themselves) participated in earlier (Vago, 1992). The word 'society' may be used to describe a multifaceted network of relationship patterns wherein every member takes part to different extents. Social relationships and behaviors undergo simultaneous modification. People encounter novel scenarios that they must react to. Such scenarios reflect factors like the institution of novel methods, novel means of earning, home shifts, novel inventions, social standards and concepts (Mutekwe, 2012).

Technology, in its most rudimentary sense, may be likened to social change. Technology's sociological importance is: its value transcends the tool by a great degree. Groups' adopted technology forms set the base for their respective non-material cultures. Indeed, technology even affects how individuals think and connect with each other (Stromquist, 2005).

Discuss the impact of the personal computer, cellular phones, and the Internet on society.

Berson and Whithworth (2003) state that technology and computers' effect (as an instructional subject as well as technique) on the field of social studies is huge. Technology-oriented learning can aid the development of pupils' problem resolution and decision-making abilities, communication skills and data processing abilities (Yigit, 2013).

Social and geographical movement, medicine, education and corporations are the main areas in which the computer's effect is most greatly felt (World Bank, 2009). Doctors use computer technology to probe the human body's internal unseen recesses for ascertaining the functioning of its many parts or for assessing whether or not an operation is required. Surgeons are able to operate on earlier-inaccessible brain regions and unborn babies (King, 1994). Microchips are a herald of ever bigger technological marvels in the future. In the academic arena, the computer persistently works wonders. Thus, nearly all-American schools have introduced the computer to pupils of all grades and taught them to type and use scientific and mathematical software applications. Quality academic programs utilize game-like teaching patterns for making pupils forget the fact that they are learning. The computer works to a profounder degree in organizations, transforming social relations (Mutekwe, 2012).

Using the three major sociological perspectives, describe the equilibrium model, the digital divide, and cultural lag in relation to these technologies and social change.

The social equilibrium theory addresses modifications transpiring in a particular segment of society, together with the adjustments required in diverse segments. The failure to ensure this may threaten social equilibrium and give rise to problems. Web users are also able to interact with other people from far-flung areas. This can generate strain disparities as the economically disadvantaged ignore particular sociological events and are geographically restricted when it comes to jobs, educational prospects, and healthcare opportunities on hand (Howard, Busch, & Sheets, 2010).

According to the conflict viewpoint, change is of critical importance owing to its need for correcting social wrongs and disparities. With the growth in web, computer, and smartphone use, some members of society believe the latter ought to be regulated on account of 'cultural lag' (defined as what occurs within societal systems when cultural concepts employed in regulating social life fail to stay even with other societal shifts (Howard, Busch, & Sheets, 2010). The concepts of digital divide, conflict approach and cultural lag are connected to the internet technology's effect on society as all the above concepts deal with social disparities relative to web non-users and users. The term 'digital divide' represents the increasing gulf between the less fortunate societal members (the poverty-ridden, aged and rural dwellers) who might lack access to computers or the web, in contrast to the urban affluent and bourgeois society. An increasing number of racial populations are now enjoying internet and computer ownership (Howard, Busch, & Sheets, 2010).

Include how technology has influenced social epidemiology, health and the environment.

Access to swiftly evolving therapeutic and diagnostic tools and other medical technology, besides reformed healthcare professional practice patterns, have transfigured healthcare delivery in the present day. All novel technologies, products, inventions or processes are linked to some degree of risk, against the wishful thinking of innumerable politicians. The concept of 'zero risk' just doesn't exist in this regard. No invention lacks the component of risk. The healthcare technology sector is required to determine a process or product's related hazards, guess the associated risks, reduce them via proper risk control processes iteratively, make sure not to unwittingly create novel risks by their actions, and study the total residual risks following implementation of risk control procedures. The decision regarding residual risk acceptability should consider patient benefits (Tan & Ong, 2002).

Here, healthcare technology has facilitated the reduction of mortality and morbidity linked to medial errors through the provision of e-prescriptions which enable doctors to identify drug-food or drug-drug interactions. Latest diagnostic technologies help identify minuscule abnormalities capable of exacerbating problems. Healthcare advances' advantages prevail over their shortcomings. Costly technology constitutes a good deal if it is capable of enhancing patients' quality of life, avoiding great disability costs and preserving economic productivity (Tan & Ong, 2002).

Explore a recent or emerging form of technology and discuss its potential benefits or consequences for society.

Telemedicine represents a healthcare delivery system wherein doctors examine patients situated in far-flung locations using telecommunications technology. Telemedicine development and implementation is linked to the following drivers: (1) Communications infrastructure growth with enhanced bandwidth availability and network growth, and (2) Reduced data transmission expenses with scientific advances in non-medical and medical digitalization. Some advocates of telemedicine claim it will eradicate issues associated with healthcare geography. The mass media as well as scholarly works stress this benefit of telemedicine (Tan & Ong, 2002).