3 Ways Technology Has Changed Society

At the start of the year 2000, statistics revealed that less than 7% of the world’s population was yet to get online. Ten years later, 76% of the global population began to understand the benefits of the world wide web. All this was made possible with the help of technology and the rapid pace at which it develops. Streaming, among many others, has become the order of the day. In America and many other nations, technology is at the core of development. Moreover, its influence can be seen in every sector. Below are some ways it continues to change society.

1. Education and learning new skills

Before the pandemic, data reveals that many American schools were already utilizing digital tools to enhance teaching and learning. Since the onset of Covid, the numbers are impressively higher in the education sector. Thanks to technology, integrated digital platforms make it possible and convenient to impart knowledge to the younger generation. Indeed, using technology helps kids learn future skills, enhance their love for digital tools and prepare them for the future.

Education plays a significant role in a society’s future. Moreover, the future of society rides on the back of technology. Therefore, getting kids and society in general knowledgeable about technology can set the foundation for the future.

2. Media platforms and media consumption

Four decades ago, America’s media source was primarily newspapers, magazines, and news networks available on cable television. Fast forward to the 21st century, and there is a tremendously noticeable change in the country’s media landscape. More so is the voracious nature of media consumption among the populace. Indeed, the last few decades greatly defined media consumption and the content people are exposed to. Even better, there is diversity, and consumers are spoilt for choice.

With the help of technology, bandwidths received expansions that enabled various live-streaming forms. Several media platforms decided to go beyond traditional channels as these developments happened. This opened up the floodgates for the plethora of media options consumers have today. So, if you can access modern media channels on your smartphone and other devices, it is due to technology’s impact in this sector.

3. Entertainment industry

Although this point seems to tie into the above discussion, there are some differences. America’s entertainment industry before the 21st century was vibrant, varied, and ventured into several areas which received applause from an even more diverse public. Fashion, music, the gaming industry, and Hollywood became the four main driving points in the entertainment industry. This spanned over several decades until technological advancement made it even more interesting.

Today, entertainment enthusiasts can feel a part of the industry even more than they’ve ever been. For example, streaming went mainstream, and people could access entertainment videos on demand. The growth of platforms like Netflix also dramatically reduced the suspense cliffhangers that television network dramas were noted for. In this way, lovers of drama series and shows can immediately access what happens next.

This gave rise to the so-called streaming wars, where subscribers are compelled to sign up to different platforms to access more content. Subsequently, this goes beyond the movies and drama series. The online gaming industry also benefits from these streaming services. Today, technology’s multi-pronged approach to the entertainment industry largely answers many unsatisfactory nuances that existed a few decades ago. There are more niches, transformations, and upgrades that were unimaginable a few decades ago.

4. Healthcare

America’s biotech boom began in the mid-90s, and since then, there has been no slowing down of the sector. As a result, several biotechnology companies geared towards research in the area of technology. And more funding and other logistics were pushed towards healthcare. Today, healthcare goes beyond diagnosing and treatment. Instead, it has ventured into the realms of preempting medical conditions and taking vital measures to avert them.

For example, through technology, genetic testing makes it possible for people to determine which diseases they are likely to develop at some point in life. Therefore, conditions like breast and ovarian cancers can be picked up early, even before cell mutation begins. Furthermore, with tech research and advancements in treatment options, physicians can focus on specializations that were non-existent some years ago. This also flows into mental healthcare and the progress made in successfully managing conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorders.

Last but not least, technology continues to change. Moreover, new inventions are made, and they all contribute to the transformations in society. There is the certainty that today’s technologies may become obsolete in a few decades. This, therefore, makes it imperative for new and higher technology.