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15.3 Science and Technology for Today’s World

2 min readLast Updated on June 24, 2024

Digital tech has revolutionized our world. The internet's given us instant access to info and global connections. But it's also brought privacy concerns and widened the gap between tech-haves and have-nots.

Social media's changed how we communicate and organize. It's amplified grassroots movements but also spread misinformation. The impact on politics and free speech is huge, sparking debates on censorship and polarization.

Digital Technology and the Internet

Impact on Modern Society

Top images from around the web for Impact on Modern Society
Top images from around the web for Impact on Modern Society
  • Increased access to information and knowledge democratization through online resources (Wikipedia), expanded educational opportunities via online courses and degree programs
  • Enhanced global connectivity and communication instant messaging and video conferencing platforms (Skype, Zoom) enabling real-time interactions across vast distances, social media networks (Facebook, Twitter) fostering global communities and relationships
  • Transformation of business and commerce rise of e-commerce giants (Amazon, Alibaba), digital marketing and targeted advertising based on user data and behavior
  • Concerns over privacy and security collection and monetization of personal data by tech companies, risks of data breaches, identity theft, and cyberattacks
  • Digital divide and unequal access disparities in internet access and digital literacy based on socioeconomic factors, challenges for developing nations in keeping pace with technological advancements

Social Media Influence on Politics and Free Speech

  • Amplification of grassroots movements and activism Arab Spring protests organized and documented through Twitter and Facebook, #MeToo movement raising awareness about sexual harassment and assault
  • Spread of misinformation and fake news manipulation of public opinion through targeted disinformation campaigns, echo chambers and filter bubbles reinforcing existing beliefs and biases
  • Censorship and content moderation removal of posts and accounts violating platform policies, debates over the balance between combating hate speech and protecting free expression
  • Political polarization and radicalization algorithms promoting controversial and divisive content to drive engagement, recruitment and mobilization by extremist groups through social media channels

Medical Advances and Global Health Challenges

Major Breakthroughs and Persisting Issues

  • Advancements in vaccine development eradication of smallpox and near-elimination of polio through global vaccination efforts, rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines using mRNA technology
  • Progress in treating and managing chronic diseases improved cancer therapies (targeted drugs, immunotherapy), antiretroviral treatments extending the lives of people with HIV/AIDS
  • Persisting threats of infectious diseases outbreaks of Ebola, Zika, and other emerging pathogens, antimicrobial resistance and the rise of "superbugs"
  • Health disparities and access to care higher disease burden and lower life expectancy in low-income countries, lack of affordable healthcare and essential medicines in many regions
  • Mental health as a growing global concern increasing rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders, stigma and inadequate resources for mental healthcare in many societies

Term 1 of 38

#MeToo movement
See definition

The #MeToo movement is a social movement that aims to raise awareness about sexual harassment and assault, primarily in the workplace. It gained significant traction in 2017 as individuals began sharing their personal experiences, highlighting the prevalence of these issues across various industries and society at large. The movement seeks to empower survivors, promote accountability for perpetrators, and foster discussions about consent and respect.

Key Terms to Review (38)

Term 1 of 38

#MeToo movement
See definition

The #MeToo movement is a social movement that aims to raise awareness about sexual harassment and assault, primarily in the workplace. It gained significant traction in 2017 as individuals began sharing their personal experiences, highlighting the prevalence of these issues across various industries and society at large. The movement seeks to empower survivors, promote accountability for perpetrators, and foster discussions about consent and respect.

© 2025 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

Term 1 of 38

#MeToo movement
See definition

The #MeToo movement is a social movement that aims to raise awareness about sexual harassment and assault, primarily in the workplace. It gained significant traction in 2017 as individuals began sharing their personal experiences, highlighting the prevalence of these issues across various industries and society at large. The movement seeks to empower survivors, promote accountability for perpetrators, and foster discussions about consent and respect.



© 2025 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

© 2025 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
Glossary
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