Impacts of technology of society

The Impacts of Technology on Society

Loss of Privacy

Digital Footprint: This is the impression that someone creates when on the internet through their online activity. This can include browsing, interactions with others and the publication of content. It is a trail of a person's data when using the internet, whether it is intentional or unintentional. When a person visits a website, the website places a 'cookie' in their web browser, and this is part of a person's digital footprint.

An active footprint is the intentional trail of data that a person leaves behind, for example

• Sending an email
• Publishing a blog
• Posting on social media
• Completing online forms for subscription purposes or purchases

A passive footprint is an unintentional trail that a person leaves behind, for example

• Records of browsing products and activities. Advertisers can use these to compile and analyse profiles so that they can send targeted advertisements
• Using websites and apps that use geolocation to identify a user's location

Surveillance: Cameras are everywhere in towns and cities. They are in shopping precincts, on the street, at tube and train stations, airports and in buildings and so on. They are there to monitor the safety of the public. But not everyone agrees with this collection of data; some people believe it is against their civil liberties. Employers use digital technology to monitor their workforce. This includes where and how employees use the digital technology that belongs to their employer, whether they are using the internet for personal reasons at work, and whether they are on social media platforms.

There a many positive reasons for using digital technology for surveillance, but there are also a number of negative reasons. The availability of surveillance systems and monitoring software has an impact on a person's privacy.

Changing Behaviours

Social Skills: As a society we now live in a technological world. We are always communicating but conversation has been sacrificed for the sake of connection. Instead of facing each other, we turn away and use our smartphones. Society's hunger and passion for technology has resulted in less face-to-face conversation and people or forgetting how important this is for our social skills. Face-to-face conversation is the most 'human' thing that we do. It teaches use to listen, to learn and to empathise with others.

Scalable remote engagement, wider peer and professional networks: Before the increased use of digital technology, businesses would function with their  workforce being on their premises or via the use of a telephone, Few people would work remotely from home as they would not be able to access the necessary resources such as files, software applications and so on. Thanks to the increased use of digital technology, people no longer need to travel to the workplace every day to access the resources they need in order to  carry out their tasks. Meetings can be conducted online, along with project collaborations, and even customer interaction.

Creation and curation of digital identity: A digital identity is information about a person or organisation that exists online. It is possible to detect people through unique identifiers and patterns. Website owners and marketeers use this information to identify and track users so that they can receive targeted advertisements and so on

Communication access

Resistance to technological change: Communication is conducted through the use of technology within a working environment and within our personal lives. This con include video conferencing, email, online banking, purchasing products and services, as well as talking to friends and family using social media. People who resist technological change and do not adapt to these additional ways of communicating can reduce their potential for interacting with others. They can also isolate themselves from other people, as well as limit their access to products and services.

Potential Isolation: Digital isolation happens when people cannot access the internet or digital media and devices in the same way as other people Research has proved that social isolation can damage people's health and well-being. IT can lead to depression, loneliness and vulnerability. Older people are more likely to suffer from isolation than younger people for many reasons, including being relocated to different types of living arrangements and care communities 

Improved access to information

Educational: Access to the internet provides students with a wealth of information that is available to them at any time of the day or night. Virtual lessons can be made available for students who are unable to attend school; virtual learning environments enable the students to access course notes and submit their assignments.

Employment Searches: Many businesses will advertise