With time there has been an explosion of technology that can conquer time and space constraints. Technology will never go anywhere, but it will continue to evolve and grow. Every new technological advancement has the potential to change people’s lives. These instruments, one would assume, would be used to learn about other cultures, encounter people from all around the world, sustain and improve family relationships, engage successfully with others, and assist people in becoming more socially adept. However, certain technical advancements allow people to become increasingly disturbed, stressed, and alienated.
However, it may have a detrimental impact on physical and mental wellbeing in some situations. Continue reading to learn about some of the potential negative and positive effects of technology on society.
Technology’s negative impact
- Politics
Consider the recent controversies surrounding international interference in both the US polls and the UK referendum. Since social media ads allow for such precise targeting, personalised advertisements catering to people’s fears is a central part of any campaign. Manipulation of this kind is unusual and alarming.
- Business
The wrong side of technology’s effect on the industry is that some workers become outdated as technology progresses. Machine efficiency increased reliability while decreasing the number of individuals needed to complete the task.
- Negative health consequences
Digital eye strain can be caused by excessive use of laptops, smartphones, and other devices, according to the American Optometric Association. Repetitive strain fractures to the fingertips, thumbs, and wrists can also be caused by excessive use of technology. In the bedroom, technology can disrupt sleep in a variety of ways.
- Emotional Repercussions
Cyberbullying is also one example of how technology can have a negative impact on one’s physical and mental health. Not only is social media the site of the bulk of online abuse, but it is often chastised for presenting an idealised image of reality, making users feel vulnerable, depressed, alienated, or jealous while comparing their lives to those they follow.
Technology’s positive impact
- Politics
Technology’s interconnectedness makes for more excellent political knowledge, comprehension, and culture than ever before. When it comes to politics, public pressure has always had some influence; now, more than ever, the force has a stronger voice. Technology has been employed to organise nonviolent demonstrations and draw together large groups of people who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to participate in politics.
- Effect on Health
The field of technology is at the heart of the future of healthcare. Smart hospitals can be more effective at treating patients and detecting complications until they become uncontrollable. Artificial intelligence is now being used in surgery, reducing dosage errors and aid clinical trials. With the advancement of technology, it will become much more popular.
All of this comes before we ever consider gene editing, CRISPR, and developing personalised therapies for diseases like cancer. In terms of wellbeing, society owes a lot to technology.
- Entertainment
Technology has helped to ramp up the entertainment sector. From 5G, cryptocurrencies, Virtual reality, augmented reality to playing a game on a mobile casino, technology has penetrated our everyday lives and brightened it up.
- Business
Manufacturing, construction, and agriculture have all been transformed by technological advancements. The availability of technologies and connectivity lowers the barrier to entry for startups, allowing everyone to test their own business concepts. The role of technology further introduced the possibility of remote employment, which has many advantages for both businesses and individuals.
To sum it up
Technology has always had both substantial benefits and significant disadvantages.
Although there are some disadvantages to technology, which we should be mindful of and strive to try to overcome, the net effect seems to be favourable.
When anything different enters our lives, we must determine whether it is beneficial or harmful to us. Technology is just another instrument, and what we do about it and how we use it is entirely up to us. It’s almost unthinkable to build anything without harmful consequences, but we should never let that stop us from reaping the rewards that are already available.