HSB 4 U Chapter 4 Technology An Agent

HSB 4 U Chapter 4 Technology: An Agent of Social Change

Your Definition • Write your group’s definition of technology on the chart paper. – No examples

What is Technology? Definition from textbook (p. 105): Technology is the creation of tools or objects that both extend our natural abilities and alter our social environment

Coping with Technology 1) Down the middle of your section of the chart, write a list of 5 technologies that have had a significant impact on you personally. 2) For each item on the list, draw a line to the left and a line to the right. 3) At the end of the line to the right, write one way in which this technology makes your life easier. 4) At the end of the line to the left, write one way it makes your life more difficult or something that frustrates you about the technology.

Coping with Technology

Individuals Coping with Technology – day 1, pp. 108 -109 A Negative / unintended consequences B Future shock / speed C Hyperculture / blurring values D Overdependence / technosis Apply to your chart. Label your frustrations with A, B, C, D. How many of each?

Class Survey – Analysis of Data – day 1 Write your group names on the top of the survey. 1. Overall impressions 2. Concerns 3. Surprises

Coping with Technology ___ Sleeping pills are needed in order to sleep ___ Computers are quickly obsolete ___ Texting in social situations is rude ___ Spellcheck – people can’t spell ___ Unhealthy fast food A Negative / unintended consequences B Future shock / speed C Hyperculture / blurring values D Overdependence / technosis

Coping with Technology Dependence on digital technology: https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=x. P 7 n. OQf. IC 3 s

Individuals Coping with Technology – day 2 http: //tvo. org/video/206646/life-after-digital-preview Life After Digital, TVO, preview (3. 41) http: //docstudio. tvo. org/story/avatar-secrets Avatar Secrets, TVO, preview (3. 05)

Important technological developments in history Mc. Luhan’s Theory Important Technology Changes How this extends a human quality Spear Extension of the arm Fire Extension of the mouth Clothing Extension of skin Glasses Extension of eyes Car Extension of llllegs Pens/pencils Extension of voice/ears/memory/brain/ey es/ Forks/knives Extension of hands/teeth

Do we control technological change in our society, or does the development of technology change our society beyond our control? We control tech. change Tech. changes society beyond our control Weapons used for defense Weapons used for offense Security alarms invented for Security alarms give a false protection sense of security and may create paranoia Printing press makes Propaganda, hate information more accessible messages Internet helps social connection Surveillance/privacy infringement Medicine heals people, extends lifespan Addiction, overdose Telephone helps communication/connecting Distractions Camera Phone captures memories/important moments Invasion of privacy

Slacktivism "feel-good" measures, in support of an issue or social cause, that have little or no practical effect other than to make the person doing it take satisfaction from the feeling they have contributed.

Recent Research: Read ONE of these articles (on blog) and write a brief summary of key points. Studies showing: 1. Lack of empathy in the APP generation http: //newsroom. ucla. edu/stories/harvard-educator-talks-aboutthe-243653 • “Today’s generation is more tolerant of social, ethic and cultural differences. ” • Media bridges gap between young and old • “Most people have technology; they don’t have the freedom to just live. ” (Gardner’s 6 -year old grandson) 2. Rewiring of teenagers brains – social media resulting in underdeveloped sense of empathy and lack of intimacy in friendships http: //www. cbc. ca/news/health/social-media-affecting-teensconcepts-of-friendship-intimacy-1. 2543158 • Texting makes people feel less connected and technologybonded than face to face communication. • Kids are opting for efficiency of connection over intimacy

• 3. Depression and Anxiety – Facebook makes us feel bad about ourselves http: //www. bbc. com/news/technology-23709009 • People experience fear of missing out when they constantly use social media as a result of seeing their peers enjoying themselves; breeds paranoia • • 4. Slacktivism – Supporting causes on social media reduces chances of actually contributing http: //www. huffingtonpost. com/adam-grant/are-you-a-slacktivist_b_4390258. html Supporting causes on social media reduces the chances of people making a sufficient contribution A method to avoid this is to get people involved in person • • • 5. http: //www. sciencedaily. com/releases/2013/11/131108091320. htm Public endorsement satisfies need to look good to others Less inclined to donate later on Easy association with less commitment Private supporters more committed • •

Connections • For your article: • A) is it showing negative and/or positive consequences • B) is it related to the traditional school (technology accompanies social change) or the determinist school (technology causes social change)? Explain how.

Blue Textbook Social Media, pp. 232 -234 • 1. How does Emile Durkheim’s theory of social norms relate to virtual communities? • Positively • Negatively • 2. According to Marvin Harris’s cultural materialist viewpoint, how has Canadian society adapted to new communication technology?

Social Media, pages 237 -238 • 3. What are the potential repercussions for young people today who exclusively use spell check and auto-complete in their daily lives? • 4. According to George Herbert Mead’s theory of the self, what are effects of emoticons? – Positive – Negative

Class survey – analysis of data day 2 • Pick the survey questions that relate to today’s material. – Does the data confirm or challenge what is in the textbook and articles?