Transcript Technology and Social Change

Technology and Social
Change
Have you ever had a conversation with someone who
stated that, life was easier or harder when he or she
was growing up?
As you grow, you begin to notice that things around
you are not the way they use to be. In many cases life
may seem to be more complex. Is it?
Society is constantly changing.
What is Social Change?
Will You Experience Social Change?
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There is no doubt that every
aspect of life, (social,
political, economic) will
change in your lifetime.
Some changes can be
predicted or observed, such
as population growth; other
changes cannot be predicted.
Examples of unpredictable changes are:
1. How will the increase in common law relationships
affect marriage?
2. Will organized religion participation grow or decline?
Social scientists try to make sense of the nature of
social change.
Outcome of Social Change
Technology is the creation of tools that
extend out natural abilities and alter our
social environment.
Examples????
What is technology?
How does technology shape
society?
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Johnannes Gutenberg invents
printing press in 1450. By 1500,
there are 20 million books!
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Rapid spread of knowledge to masses
through books
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Martin Luther used press to lead
reformation against Catholic Church
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Arguably the greatest technological
invention in the modern era
STEPS
1. Individual shares idea with community
2. Idea accepted, and a new tool is created
3. Society uses the tool to implement changes
4. We direct and shape our tools
Traditional Social Change
Theory
STEPS
1. Invention of tool takes on a life of its own after it has
been introduced to society
2. Change is determined by society’s reaction to the tool
3. Tool is accompanied by a change in human thinking
4. Our tools shape us
Technological Determinism
Which theory do you agree
with and why?
Impact of Technology on Society
“Thumbs up” OR
“Thumbs down”?
1. We shape our tools rather than our tools
shaping us
2. Technological change is always positive
for society
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Negative impacts e.g. Internet (cyber
predators and hate propaganda )
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Rate of change of technology
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Overdependence on Technology
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Technological change is eroding
fundamental values of society
MORE?
Sources of Technological
Stress
Are You a Victim of Technosis?
Yes
No
Do you feel stressed if you haven't checked your voice or e-mail within the last 12 hours?
Yes
No
Do you feel as if you can't cook a meal without technological gadgets?
Yes
No
Do you become upset when you can't find an ATM for quick cash?
Yes
No
Do you have difficulty writing without sitting in front of your computer?
Yes
No
Do you have a hard time determining when you are finished researching a topic on the Internet?
Yes
No
Do you feel less adequate than your highly technologized peers?
Yes
No
Do you rely on pre-programmed systems to contact others?
Overdependence on Technology
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When machines don’t do what we want, we experience anxiety
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Technosis – Overdependence or attachment to technology (anxious
if not constantly checking emails and texts)
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Often pressure from boss to respond to emails instantaneously and
at all times
Has Technology Affected Our
Mental Health?
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Cyber-disorders on the rise, leads
to: social isolation, depression,
familial conflict, debt, job loss
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Current debate to diagnosis
internet addiction as a mental
disorder (excessive gaming, sexual
preoccupations, and e-mail/text
messaging) in DSM-V -2013
(Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
of Mental Disorders)
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Obama defends secret surveillance