CHAPTER 2

Technology and Society in

the Information Age
 Topics Under Discussion
 2.1 The need for Technology
 2.2 Historical Background of Technology (Reading
Assignment)
 2.3 Classes of Technology
 2.4 The relation between Technology and Society
 2.5 The physiological, psychological, & Social
Impact of ICTs use on Information Society
 2.6 Ergonomics
 2.7 The physiology of Human Computer Interaction
 2.8 The psychology of Human Computer
Interaction
 2.9 Cyberspace
 The need for Technology
• Tech means the use of scientific knowledge to achieve some
specific goal or create applications that are used in industry or in
everyday life.

• Technology refers to the tools, methods, and systems that are

developed to improve various areas of life such as communication,
transportation, medical care, entertainment, etc.

• Technology continues to advance rapidly and shape the way we

live and interact with the world.

• Technology is not limited to just electronic devices or computers; it

includes a broad spectrum of innovations that have been developed
over time.

• So, if we are using some scientific knowledge to achieve some

 The need for Technology
The importance of technology in our daily lives
• Technology is an essential part of our daily lives, and no one can do
without it.
• The importance of technology in our lives can be summarized in the
following points..
✅ Facilitating the educational process:

• Obtain knowledge and knowledge easily and comfortably, and to

provide educational resources and scientific courses via the
Internet.
✅ Improving communication:

• Modern means of communication such as smart phones,

computer programs and social media are available to
everyone, and facilitate communication between people
 The need for Technology
✅ Business and industry development:
• Through the use of technology, it is possible to improve production,
design, distribution and marketing processes, increase
productivity and improve product quality.

✅ Improving health care:

• Modern medical technologies, smart devices, and health
applications help improve health care, prevent diseases, and
diagnose them faster and more accurately

✅ Improving lifestyle and entertainment:

Through smart devices, applications, and modern entertainment,

individuals can enjoy entertainment.
In addition, technology helps save time and effort, improve work
efficiency, and obtain information and services easily and comfortably.
 Classes of Technology
 Technology can be broadly classified into various categories based on its
application and functionality. Here are some common classes of
technology:
 Information Technology: Computers and Software, networking
 Communication : Telecommunications, Internet Technologies
 Biotechnology: Genetic and medical technology
 Transportation : Automotive and Aviation and Aerospace
 Environmental : Waste management and Pollution Control
 Entertainment : Gaming and media broadcastings
 Educational : E-learning, and Educational Software
 Financial : Online banking
 AI, robotics agricultural , business, architectural , Energy
Technology (solar, wind, hydro)
 The relation between Technology and Society

 The relationship between technology and society is reciprocal.

 Society drives technological change, while changing

technologies in turn shape society.

 Technological decisions should take into account both costs

and benefits.

 Infrastructures in the society has developed with the help of

science and technology. The invention of the telephone and
radio services has expanded human communication. Society
can not exist without the industry we have today. Society
needs science and technology.
 The relation between Technology and Society

 The use of technology has also increased drastically./ high level

 It affects the lives of people and changes the way they learn,
think, and communicate.

 It plays a major role in society, and now it is very tough to

imagine life without technology.

 Both technology and society are co-related, co-dependent,

co-influence with each other.

 Technology has an impact on society, including the potential for

society to progress or decline, in both good and bad manner.
 The relation between Technology and Society

• Influence of Technology on Society:

• Cultural Shifts: Technology often introduces new ways of thinking
and cultural practices. For example, the advent of the internet and
social media.
• Economic Impact: Technological advancements can lead to economic
growth by creating new industries and job opportunities.
• Societal Impact on Technology:
• User Behavior: Society's needs, preferences, and behaviors
influence the development of technology. Innovations often emerge in
response to societal demands, reflecting the desire for convenience,
efficiency, or solving specific problems.
• Regulatory Frameworks: Societal concerns about safety, privacy,
and ethical considerations drive the creation of regulatory
frameworks that shape technological development and deployment.
 The relation between Technology and Society

 Impact of Technology on Society :

 Increase in unemployment,
 Increase in health and mental concerns,
 Increase in cybercrimes
 Improved communication, and
 Teaching and learning process,
 Mechanized agriculture ,
 Easy access to information

 In General, the relationship between technology and society is a

dynamic interplay that requires ongoing dialogue, ethical
considerations, and a thoughtful approach to ensure that
technological advancements contribute positively to the well-being of
individuals and communities.
 Balancing innovation with societal values and addressing potential
challenges is essential for fostering a harmonious coexistence
between technology and society.
 The physiological, psychological, & Social
Impact of ICTs use on Information Society
[Link]:
1. Relating to the mind and mental processes.
[Link]: Emotions, thoughts, perceptions, behaviors, and the
overall cognitive aspects of an individual.
[Link]: Anxiety, happiness, motivation, cognitive
processes like memory and problem-solving.
[Link]:
1. Relating to the body and its physical functions and
mechanisms.
[Link]: Biological processes, bodily functions, and the
interaction of organs and systems.
[Link]: Heart rate, respiration, digestion, hormonal
balance, and other bodily functions.
 The physiological, psychological, & Social
Impact of ICTs use on Information Society
 ICT have had profound effects on individuals and societies on various domains.
 Physiological Impact:
 Health Concerns: issue like eye strain, musculoskeletal problems, and
sedentary lifestyle-related conditions.
 Sleep Disruption: Excessive screen time, before bedtime, can disrupt sleep
patterns
 Radiation Exposure: electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phones
 Psychological Impact:
 Information Overload: Constant access to information may lead to cognitive
overload, making it challenging for individuals to process and prioritize
information effectively.
 Addiction and Dependency: Internet addiction, social media dependency
 Privacy Concerns: Stress related to the collection and use of personal data
online
 Cyberbullying: Online harassment and cyberbullying can have severe
psychological impacts, causing stress, anxiety, and even depression among
 Ergonomics
– Ergonomics is the study of physical and psychological
relationship between people and their work environment.
– the science of designing the job to fit the worker, not forcing the
worker to fit the job.
– Ergonomics is the process of designing or arranging workplaces,
products and systems so that they fit the people who use them.
– Ergonomics is the science and practice of designing and arranging
products, systems, and environments to optimize the interaction
between people and their activities.
– Ergonomics aims to improve workspaces and environments to
minimize risk of injury or harm.
– Ergonomics became common in the 1990s as a result of the wide
application of computers in offices and due to the negative
impact caused by the use of this technology.
 Ergonomics
– The goal of ergonomics is to enhance efficiency, comfort, and
well-being by considering human capabilities and limitations.
– This interdisciplinary field draws on principles from anatomy,
physiology, psychology, and engineering to create designs that
promote safety, productivity, and overall user satisfaction.
– Ergonomics is applied in various contexts, such as workspace
design, product development, and the design of everyday
objects, with the aim of minimizing discomfort, fatigue,
and the risk of injury.
 Ergonomics
 The physical and psychological problems caused by the
computer use can be solved by designing an
ergonomically correct equipment, furniture,
facilities, and man-machine interfaces.
 The goal is improving:
– Health condition
– Efficiency
– Comfort
– Safety
 Ergonomics
 Therefore, ergonomics is concerned with designing
the job environment to be suitable for the worker
 The economic implication of Ergonomics are:
– Medical Cost Reduction
– Less Absenteeism
– Higher Productivity
 The Physiology of Computer/Human
Interaction
 Use of a computer is a physical activity involving:
– Hands,
– Eyes,
– Ears, and
– Body.
 The major physiological problems that occur as a result of
the human/ computer interaction are:
 Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs): Injury to part of the
musculoskeletal or nervous system caused by repetitive use, vibrations,
compression or long periods in a fixed position
 Back and Neck Pains
 Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)
The Physiology of Computer/Human
Interaction
 Back and Neck Pains
The Physiology of Computer/Human
Interaction

Correct Sitting and Standing Posture Using

Computers
 The Physiology of Computer/Human
Interaction
 Solution to the above problems
 Proper Design of furniture: like chair with
adjustable
 Keyboard
- Thin and detachable
- Positioned low enough to keep wrist straight,
shoulders relaxed and elbows angled 90 and
120 degrees
 Mouse or Trackball
– With easy reach
– At the same height as keyboard
 Vision
– Proper contrast between character and
background
– Frequent vision breaks (looking away from the
screen occasionally)
The Psychology of The Human/Computer
Interaction
 The stresses experienced by computer users are not
only physical but also psychological.
 It is mainly cased by:
– Computer anxiety :
– fear and worries that someone may feel when using computers/
computerphobia
– computer users experience discomfort, stress, or fear in front
of computer or using it.
The Psychology of The Human/Computer
Interaction

Addictive use of the computer (Internet addiction)
– Computer addiction can be described as the excessive or
compulsive use of the computer or internet which causes
negative consequences for personal, social or occupational
function.
– There are five specific types of computer/ Internet
addiction:
– Cybersex Addiction
– Cyber-Relational Addiction
– Net Gaming /gaming solutions to leading online gaming
– Information Overload
– Computer Addiction
 The psychology of computer/human
interaction
 Response Time
– Since interaction with the computer is often interpreted by the user
as "conversation", a slow computer can have a psychological
effect similar to waiting for a slow speaker to finish a sentence.
 Noise from printers or from computer power unit
 Cyberspace
 Cyberspace refers to the virtual environment where digital
communication, interactions, and activities take place.
 It encompasses the interconnected network of computers,
servers, and electronic systems that facilitate the flow of
information.
 It includes everything connected to the internet, including
websites, databases, devices, and the data transmitted between
them.
 Characteristics: Cyberspace is characterized by its vastness,
borderless nature, and the ability to facilitate
communication, information exchange, and digital
transactions.
 Cyberspace allows users to share information, interact, swap ideas, play
games, engage in discussions or social forums, conduct business and
 Cyberspace
• Examples of cyberspace
• Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and
LinkedIn.
• Streaming platforms like Twitch, Netflix, and Spotify.
• Metaverse projects like Sandbox and Second life.
• Cloud service providers like Google Drive.
• Online forums.
• Online games.
• Email services like Gmail.
• Personal websites and blogs.
• Online education sites like Udemy.
 Cyberspace
• Cybersecurity:
• Definition: Cybersecurity involves the practice of protecting
computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized
access, attacks, damage, or theft.
• Components: Cybersecurity includes measures such as firewalls,
antivirus software, encryption, multi-factor authentication,
and security policies to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and
availability of digital assets.
• Cybercrime:
• Definition: Cybercrime refers to criminal activities conducted
through the use of computers, networks, and the internet. It
encompasses a wide range of illicit/illegal activities, including
hacking, identity theft, fraud, phishing, malware distribution, and
more.
 Cyberspace
• Relationship between Cybersecurity and Cyberspace:

• Cybersecurity is crucial in cyberspace to ensure the protection of

digital assets and prevent unauthorized access, data breaches,
and cybercrimes.

• Effective cybersecurity measures are necessary to maintain the

trust and reliability of the digital infrastructure within cyberspace.