Technology and Society: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Understanding the relationship between modern-day innovation and its effect on society as a whole can be polarizing. Technology and society often are at odds with one another. It’s a big game of tug-of-war; there is much to be grateful for and a lot to be wary of. Animator Steve Cutts and musician Moby collaborated to make this spellbinding animation showing the adverse effects technology has had on our daily lives.
We used to mail letters; now, we send text messages. Friday nights at Blockbuster have turned into infinite scrolling sessions on streaming services. Being able to differentiate CGI/animation from live action used to be easy. The world is changing. We can reject the changes or embrace them.
The rise of technology has affected the most fundamental aspect of our lives. All the ways we communicate, learn, and think have been shaped by the technological advancements of the 20th and 21st century. Some of these transitions have been positive; advancements in medicine and transportation offer great hope for future generations. Sadly, some of these changes have had shockingly negative effects, including the rise of cyberbullying, cyberstalking, sextortion (Trend Micro , CNN, and FBI), and social addiction.
The Future of Society is Unfolding
Don’t believe it? Watch Netflix’s recent documentary, The Social Dilemma, and you will understand the significance of this modern-day issue. It’s almost as if we’re all living in an episode of Black Mirror; it begins with a utopian scenario, but as time goes on and bad decisions concatenate one upon the other, the reality becomes clear—we’re being manipulated!
While it does have its pitfalls, virtual social engagement isn’t necessarily all bad. Access to virtual learning and education has never been easier. We’re no longer reliant on our location to access many opportunities. The internet has provided the ability to learn something new every day. My concern with technology is not about the capabilities but rather how it’s being used and the strings that are being pulled behind the screens.
Social media platforms have allowed users to connect with other people across the globe through common interests and demographics, but the reality is apparent; we spend more time looking at our own devices than we do with other people. The algorithms for these platforms were designed this way—to prey upon our desires, dreams, weaknesses, and emotions.
Where do We Go from Here?
The internet and the advancements in technology that our species has made truly are marvels. Yes, these have brought about some good for society, but there will always be those who seek to exploit you and your personal information by using these same technological advancements. The good news is, you have a choice to minimize that with Presence Global. We believe you have the right to know who has access to your data and should be able to opt-out at any time. Our team is here to provide you with the tools to do exactly that. It’s time we take control of our online privacy and establish some checks and balances with how we consume technology.
We’ve put together a list of the 4 things Presence can do for you. Let’s achieve internet privacy and bridge the gap between what’s good for both technology and society.
Join the movement. #PrivacyFirst
Hungry for more knowledge? Check out these resources, outlining the effects of a virtually connected world:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/negative-effects-of-technology#physical-health-effects
