January 7, 2025

CHAPTER 2
Technology and Society in the
Information Age
 Topics
 The need for Technology
 Historical Background of Technology (Reading Assignment)
 Classes of Technology
 The relation between Technology and Society
 The physiological, psychological, & Social Impact of ICTs use
on Information Society
 Ergonomics
 The physiology of Human Computer Interaction
 The psychology of Human Computer Interaction
 Cyberspace
 The need for Technology January 7, 2025

• 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 goal

means we are using technology.
 The need for Technology January 7, 2025

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 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 anywhere in the world.
 The need for Technology January 7, 2025

✅ 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.
 January 7, 2025

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)
 January 7, 2025

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.
 January 7, 2025

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.
 January 7, 2025

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 January 7, 2025

 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 January
Impact 7, 2025 of ICTs use on

Information Society
1.Psychological:
1. Relating to the mind and mental processes.
2. Focus: Emotions, thoughts, perceptions, behaviors, and the
overall cognitive aspects of an individual.
3. Examples: Anxiety, happiness, motivation, cognitive processes
like memory and problem-solving.
2.Physiological:
1. Relating to the body and its physical functions and
mechanisms.
2. Focus: Biological processes, bodily functions, and the interaction
of organs and systems.
3. Examples: Heart rate, respiration, digestion, hormonal balance,
and other bodily functions.
 The physiological, psychological, & Social January
Impact 7, 2025 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
victims.
 Ergonomics January 7, 2025

– 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 January 7, 2025

– 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 January 7, 2025

 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
 January 7, 2025

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 January 7, 2025

 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)
 January 7, 2025

The Physiology of Computer/Human Interaction

Back and Neck Pains

The Physiology of Computer/Human Interaction January 7, 2025

Correct Sitting and Standing Posture Using Computers

 The Physiology of Computer/Human Interaction January 7, 2025

 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)
– Avoid glare (keep the screen away from windows)
 January 7, 2025

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.
 January 7, 2025

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
 January 7, 2025

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

 January 7, 2025

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 create
intuitive media, among many other activities.
 January 7, 2025

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.
 January 7, 2025

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.
 January 7, 2025

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.
 January 7, 2025

Quiz
1. List three physiological impacts of ICT usage on
individuals.
2. Explain the reciprocal relationship between technology
and society.
3. Identify and describe one psychological challenge caused
by excessive ICT use.