How Technology is Changing our World

improves safety and security

technology brings more opportunity to spread awareness about pressing issues

can bring attention to world issues that the government and news sources aren't really talking about

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

Feminist Theory

social media and technology brings the ability to talk about important issues, such as cases with women experiencing sexual assault, harassment, etc.

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

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.

telehealth

offering online medical consultation

allows more people to access healthcare without having to travel for it

reduces physicians' transition time between patients

saves millions of dollars for candians because they wont need to lose money from missing work or from travelling

healthcare trackers and apps are now available

Robots

can prepare chemotherapy for patients

davinci surgical robot assists in procedures, microbots go in your body

pepper robot helps to overcome language barriers at hospitals

3d print things like human tissue

Pros

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

able to reach new and larger audiences for businesses and use new marketing strategies

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

Cons

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

employees are getting used to working from home and stop going to the office altogether. limits social interaction and makes people lazy

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

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

Pros

programs like Khan Academy exist and help students study and learn more

students, classmates, and teachers can communicate with each other and ask questions

students are able to continue their work at home and catch up on their studies if they missed a lesson

makes marking assignments and tests easier for teachers

can be more interesting and engaging for students and doesn't limit them to only one learning style

Cons

there are many things online that aren't beneficial to learning and will distract students, which lowers their marks

technology is expensive, so if schools switch to tech instead of paper, many students can't afford it and neither can the school

being online only could really mess up students' mental health and decrease social interactions

increases chances of plagiarism

Marxist Theory

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.

Pros

allows opportunities to meet new people and connect with them

access to support resources like kids help phone, is able to provide advice and help if you're struggling

makes it easier to communicate for people who are shy in person

provides a way for people to keep in touch who are long distance, like family, friends, etc.

provides a safe place to express yourself honestly

Cons

makes people antisocial and limits social interactions in the real world

people may feel really lonely, for example in the pandemic

increases rates of depression and isolation

increases rates of cyber bullying

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

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