The Effects of Technology on Society
Technology has changed our lives, and continues to do so at a rapid pace.
Some of these changes have been positive, whilst others have been negative.
You may be asked to discuss the pros and cons of a particular technology. Remember to consider both sides of the argument, and give your conclusion or opinion if asked.
Some of the pros and cons of technology's effects on society:
Advantages
- Improved global communication
- Access to information and education
- Greater convenience when shopping, working, and entertaining
- Promotion of diversity through access to different cultures and lifestyles
Disadvantages
- Cyberbullying
- The spread of misinformation
- Increased social isolation
- The erosion of a society's culture through globalisation
The Digital Divide
The digital divide is the gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not.
Causes of the digital divide include:
- Geography – those in rural areas often have poorer connections than those in towns and cities. Developing areas may also lack the infrastructure needed for effective communication
- Cost – poorer people may not be able to afford internet access or the devices needed to access it
- War and conflict – critical infrastructure may be damaged, and a government may use its resources to continue the conflict rather than fix communications.
- Censorship – some countries restrict access to the internet entirely, or block selected content. This is often to prevent citizens from finding out about the actions of the government, or to make it more difficult for people to organise protests.
The digital divide matters because those without connection may lack access to education, jobs, and information, and may suffer social exclusion.