UWW310 Technology's Effect on Society

I was surprised when I heard of this phenomena in Japan right now. My Japanese friends say it is mostly due to video game addictions and lack of motivation to do anything that does not have a digital representation. It is actually a real thing, and where technology does not have all the blame, it defiantly plays its part.

I know a lot of teens whop think far too much about what they look like compared to what they see on the television. And it is not just them. I have issues with my body image as well based off of what I see on the TV. When I got ride of mine, it was interesting to see where my time went. Playing with my son, spending more time talking with my wife, and more time for board games and hobbies. We still use our Laptops to watch TedTalks and such, but for the most pat, we are Television free, and we love it.

The article highlights Anonymous's role in exposing a rape, leading to the conviction of the criminals and bringing the case to justice.

This article highlights the role of social media to create social change

This article talks about how decreased face-to-face social interaction caused by increased digital media use has decreased children's ability to recognize emotion.

This Tumblr post's collections of Tweets and pictures highlights beautiful social international solidarity created by the wonder of social media.

This article shows how technology allows globalization for social movements to impact each other across the globe

This brief video shows how one company is taking wastewater and turning it into clean drinking water using the sun, providing a green solution for Californians affected by the drought.

This brief article discusses AI, featuring the thoughts of renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, who fears it could wipe out mankind! It also presents voices that counter Hawking and dont fear the threat.

How a dating app -- namely tinder -- and smartphone technology in general has completely changed dating. One interviewee says they cant meet people in bars or social scenes anymore because everyone is looking at their phone.

It seems that based on information from the Edward Snowden leaks, the NSA has been creating its own holes in cellular networks in order to provide backdoors for the future. Operation Auroragold created holes which can allow the NSA to spy on users of cellular networks but also other hackers which take advantage of these new vulnerabilities.

Were I think this article has as much worth in medical, I think it has a huge impact on what we feel is our right to choose. Just because it can be done, does not mean that it should be. The technology behind this is either terrible or miraculous. I will let you decide.

This group will post items of interest on how technology is affecting society.

A coalition of civil rights groups wants to be included in the meetings to keep the feds in check. Last month, an array of American tech companies, media organizations, PR firms, and other groups met with government officials behind closed doors at the Justice Department. They had come to talk about ISIS propaganda online. In what the government dubbed the "Madison Valleywood Project," the participants were briefed by White House officials before huddling for hours to come up with ways to counter the Islamic State's digital messaging efforts.

This article recounts the possibility that ISIS is utilizing the low profile technology which is under the radar of the FBI within Sony's PlayStation gaming consoles. Simple voice communication within gaming chat is a plausible format for ISIS communication, although proof of this occurring is not confirmed. The concept that communication may be possible through the game consoles of the popular makers will heighten the concern for monitoring of this media by governments. Nice piece for those interested in ISIS, terrorism or gaming technology.

This in-depth article looks at how technology impacts teens in our society and what this impact may have on human potential in the future (the year 2020). Based on the idea that the brains of those under 35 will be wired differently because of technology, the authors draw on a variety of sources to explore how our potential as people may be effected. Good information for those interested in technology and the digital world, child development, and social psychology.

This article recounts a trip undertaken by the Dalai Lama in 2013. The first part discusses a talk he gave at the Chiba Institute of Technology in Japan and touches on the Buddhist view of technology and its relationship with society. The Dalai Lama sees both positive and negative aspects of technology and shares his perspective with characteristic thoughtfulness. Nice piece for those interested in Buddhism, religious studies, sociology, or technology.

This older article gives a nice overview of the inherent risks of technology in regard to interpersonal relationships. The author is looking specifically at the effects of internet addiction here. Gives general information and advice---not too preachy or scientifically in-depth (clearly it's written for a general audience) but good for those in psychology, social work, and mental health counseling fields.

Another fascinating article about the existential impact of technology on society. The author asserts that technology exploits our natural inclinations toward mindlessness, potentially leading to a society devoid of mindful relationships, behavior, interactions, and presence. Blends elements of neuroscience, technology, and philosophy…perfect for anyone studying/interested in these subjects.

This short piece, drawn from a TED talk, examines how technology changes the nature of experience. It profiles the work of Indian novelist Abha Dawesar, who gave a TED talk on this particular topic. Dawesar is interested in "the dangers of our time- and space- warping technologies," which cause us to live in a "digital now." This "digital now" is not exactly "the now" of the real world. Fascinating stuff. Excellent article (and associated TED talk) for those studying philosophy and the existential impacts of technology.