How Technology is Changing our World
Personal Wellbeing
Cooley's Looking Glass Theory
Relates to technology because on social media people tend to compare themselves to unrealistic standards/other people. Many people online post unrealistic and edited things and make their lives appear as something they aren't. This is harmful to people who compare themselves to them, which can link to depression
Social Displacement Theory
Claims that the more time someone spends online and on social media, the less time they spend socializing with people in real life
increases rates of cyber bullying
increases rates of depression and isolation
people may feel really lonely, for example in the pandemic
makes people antisocial and limits social interactions in the real world
provides a safe place to express yourself honestly
provides a way for people to keep in touch who are long distance, like family, friends, etc.
makes it easier to communicate for people who are shy in person
access to support resources like kids help phone, is able to provide advice and help if you're struggling
allows opportunities to meet new people and connect with them
Education
if schools switch to being technology only, it further separates the working class (proleteriats) from the bourgeoisie. The bourgoisie have the money and ability to buy their children technology and resources, therefore they will excel in school. However, the lower class won't have the money to be able to provide their children with the same resources, so it is compromising their learning and success.
Cons
increases chances of plagiarism
being online only could really mess up students' mental health and decrease social interactions
technology is expensive, so if schools switch to tech instead of paper, many students can't afford it and neither can the school
there are many things online that aren't beneficial to learning and will distract students, which lowers their marks
can be more interesting and engaging for students and doesn't limit them to only one learning style
makes marking assignments and tests easier for teachers
students are able to continue their work at home and catch up on their studies if they missed a lesson
students, classmates, and teachers can communicate with each other and ask questions
programs like Khan Academy exist and help students study and learn more
Employment
Marxist Theory
By people losing their jobs, this benefits the bourgeoisie because they don't need to pay people (proleteriats) for their hard work, they can simply invest in something that does the work for them without needing to give out paychecks. They are abusing the working class and being careless of their lives in order to benefit themselves
Cons
robots aren't 100% reliable because they could break down or make a mistake. there are some jobs that humans need to do even if it's not as perfect as a robot's work
employees are getting used to working from home and stop going to the office altogether. limits social interaction and makes people lazy
robots and artificial intelligence are taking over peoples' jobs. they do the jobs so perfectly that humans aren't needed anymore therefore they are unemployed
Pros
for many jobs, employees are able to work remotely from home and can also continue their projects/work at home instead of being limited to the office and having to stay after hours
able to reach new and larger audiences for businesses and use new marketing strategies
Brings new job opportunities to the table such as a social media influencer. If you're successful you can make a lot of money
Provides opportunities for sponsorships and partnerships with companies to promote their brand for money
Health
Robots
3d print things like human tissue
pepper robot helps to overcome language barriers at hospitals
davinci surgical robot assists in procedures, microbots go in your body
can prepare chemotherapy for patients
telehealth
healthcare trackers and apps are now available
saves millions of dollars for candians because they wont need to lose money from missing work or from travelling
reduces physicians' transition time between patients
allows more people to access healthcare without having to travel for it
offering online medical consultation
Overall Benefits
Technology is very beneficial when it comes to health. With things like 3d printing, robots, and telehealth, it is really helpful in numerous ways.
Government
Feminist Theory
Missing and murdered indigenous women were rarely spoken about or heard of by the public, but social media helped to spread the information and make people open their eyes to the sexism and racism going on in Canada. Brought a wave of activists and feminists to action
social media and technology brings the ability to talk about important issues, such as cases with women experiencing sexual assault, harassment, etc.
however, technology makes it easier for the government to look into everyone's private lives.
they can see search history and location through things like cookies
can bring attention to world issues that the government and news sources aren't really talking about
technology brings more opportunity to spread awareness about pressing issues
improves safety and security
