Technology and Social Change: Impact and Implications

Question 1

Which concept emphasizes the dominant role of technology in driving social change?

Accepted Answer

Technological determinism

Answer

Social constructivism

Answer

Diffusion of innovations

Answer

Social network theory

Question 2

According to technological determinism, what is the primary factor shaping social structures and institutions?

Accepted Answer

Technological advancements

Answer

Economic systems

Answer

Political ideologies

Answer

Cultural beliefs

Question 3

Which theory proposes that technology is not a fixed entity but is actively shaped by social interactions?

Accepted Answer

Social constructivism

Answer

Technological determinism

Answer

Diffusion of innovations

Answer

Social network theory

Question 4

The process by which new technologies are disseminated and adopted throughout a population is termed:

Accepted Answer

Diffusion of innovations

Answer

Technological determinism

Answer

Social constructivism

Answer

Social network theory

Question 5

The use of technology to monitor and regulate social behavior raises concerns primarily about:

Accepted Answer

Privacy and surveillance

Answer

Job displacement

Answer

Income disparity

Answer

Environmental sustainability

Question 6

Which of the following is a potential negative consequence of technological advancements in society?

Accepted Answer

Increased social isolation and loneliness

Answer

Increased access to information and resources

Answer

Enhanced communication and collaboration

Answer

Reduced environmental impact

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the theory of technological determinism?

Accepted Answer

Technology is an autonomous force that exerts a dominant influence on social development.

Answer

Technology is a neutral tool that has no inherent impact on social change.

Answer

Technology is entirely shaped by social and cultural factors, with no independent influence on its development.

Question 8

How do technology and societal changes impact each other?

Accepted Answer

Technology and societal changes influence each other.

Answer

Technology advancements are solely driven by societal changes.

Answer

Societal changes occur without any influence from technology advancements.

Question 9

The concept of technological determinism suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Technological advancements are the primary drivers of social change.

Answer

Technology and societal change are independent processes.

Answer

Social factors exert a dominant influence on technological development.

Question 10

In what ways has the internet contributed to social inequality?

Accepted Answer

It can exacerbate existing social divides or mitigate them.

Answer

It universally leads to a more egalitarian society.

Answer

The internet has no impact on social inequality.

Question 11

What is the most accurate definition of the "digital divide"?

Accepted Answer

Disparities in access to, use of, and benefits from technology.

Answer

The difference between those who use technology and those who don't.

Answer

The unequal distribution of technological resources.

Answer

The gap in technological skills between different age groups.

Question 12

What is a major criticism of the "technological utopia" perspective?

Accepted Answer

It overlooks the potential negative consequences of technological advancements.

Answer

It is overly pessimistic about the potential of technology to solve social problems.

Answer

It fails to account for the role of human agency in shaping technology.

Question 13

How has technology transformed the nature of work in recent decades?

Accepted Answer

It has led to increased automation and a shift towards knowledge-based occupations.

Answer

Technology has eliminated the need for human workers.

Answer

Technology has made the workplace more physically demanding.

Question 14

Technological advancements can lead to changes in social structures primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Altering the distribution of power and resources

Answer

Decreasing social stratification

Answer

Preserving traditional social norms

Answer

Eliminating social hierarchies

Question 15

The idea that technology solely determines social change is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Technological determinism

Answer

Social adaptation

Answer

Social constructivism

Answer

Technological evolution

Question 16

An example of how technology can contribute to promoting social equality is by:

Accepted Answer

Providing broader access to education and healthcare

Answer

Reducing social mobility

Answer

Exacerbating social divisions

Answer

Perpetuating existing inequalities

Question 17

Which of the following is a primary ethical concern raised by technological advancements?

Accepted Answer

Privacy, surveillance, and data protection

Answer

Technical feasibility and usability

Answer

Historical preservation and cultural heritage

Answer

Only economic and environmental issues

Question 18

A potential benefit of artificial intelligence (AI) in society is:

Accepted Answer

Improved healthcare and diagnostics

Answer

Reduced need for human interaction

Answer

Increased unemployment and social displacement

Answer

Exacerbation of existing social inequalities

Question 19

The 'digital divide' primarily refers to:

Accepted Answer

Disparities in access to technology and its benefits

Answer

Types of technology available

Answer

Knowledge and skills related to technology

Question 20

Technological advancements can lead to:

Accepted Answer

Both positive and negative social changes

Answer

Only negative social changes

Answer

Only positive social changes

Question 21

The concept of 'social construction of technology' emphasizes that:

Accepted Answer

Technology is influenced by and reflects social values and contexts

Answer

Technology is purely objective and value-neutral

Answer

Technology is solely determined by scientific and engineering knowledge

Answer

Technology is inevitable and independent of human agency

Question 22

A potential negative impact of technological advancements in society is:

Accepted Answer

Increased social isolation

Answer

Accelerated scientific progress

Answer

Improved communication and collaboration

Answer

Enhanced access to education and information

Question 23

According to technological determinism, what is the primary driver of social and cultural change?

Accepted Answer

Technological advancements

Answer

Social norms and values

Answer

Cultural traditions and beliefs

Question 24

Which of the following technologies has had a significant impact on the way individuals communicate and interact in society?

Accepted Answer

Social media

Answer

Televisions

Answer

Telephones

Answer

Automobiles

Question 25

What is a major challenge that technological advancements pose to the labor market?

Accepted Answer

Job displacement due to automation

Answer

Increased demand for specialized skills

Answer

Enhanced worker productivity

Question 26

What is a key assumption of the concept of 'technological utopia'?

Accepted Answer

Technology can solve all social problems and create a perfect society

Answer

Technology should be accessible and beneficial to all members of society

Answer

Technology should only be used for specific purposes and controlled by experts

Question 27

In what way can technology facilitate social activism and political change?

Accepted Answer

Providing platforms for online petitions and crowdfunding

Answer

Simulating real-world scenarios through virtual reality

Answer

Automating manufacturing processes

Question 28

What is the main idea behind the concept of 'technological singularity'?

Accepted Answer

The point at which artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence

Answer

Emergence of a new type of human-computer hybrid society

Answer

Exponential rate of technological progress

Question 29

What is the 'Internet of Things' (IoT) primarily characterized by?

Accepted Answer

A network of physical devices connected to the internet and able to exchange data

Answer

A virtual environment that simulates physical reality

Answer

A collection of digital devices used for communication and entertainment

Question 30

Which of the following is NOT a way that technology has influenced social change?

Accepted Answer

Increased social isolation

Answer

Facilitated global communication

Answer

Altered traditional roles and relationships

Answer

Led to new forms of social organization

Question 31

According to Marshall McLuhan's theory, what is the central impact of technology on society?

Accepted Answer

It amplifies and extends the reach of our senses, enabling new modes of communication and perception.

Answer

It inevitably drives social progress.

Answer

It creates new social norms and values.

Answer

It replaces face-to-face interactions with virtual connections.

Question 32

Which statement best illustrates the concept of technological determinism?

Accepted Answer

Technological innovations inevitably lead to predetermined social outcomes.

Answer

Technology and society co-evolve, influencing each other in complex ways.

Answer

Social factors shape the development and use of technology.

Question 33

How has technology impacted the job market?

Accepted Answer

It has created new job opportunities in fields like information technology and artificial intelligence.

Answer

It has completely eliminated the need for human labor in many industries.

Answer

It has led to a widespread decline in overall employment levels.

Question 34

Which of the following is a potential negative consequence of technological advancements?

Accepted Answer

Increased surveillance and privacy concerns due to the collection and analysis of personal data.

Answer

Improved access to education and healthcare brought about by technological advancements.

Answer

Reduced environmental impact resulting from technological innovations.

Answer

Enhanced productivity and efficiency gained through technological innovations.

Question 35

In what way has technology affected the nature of social movements?

Accepted Answer

It has provided new platforms for organizing, mobilizing, and amplifying voices, enabling wider participation.

Answer

It has made it more challenging for social movements to gain traction and support.

Answer

It has had no significant impact on the strategies and tactics used by social movements.

Question 36

Which example best illustrates the ways in which technology has transformed social interaction?

Accepted Answer

The rise of social media platforms, facilitating connections and communication across vast distances.

Answer

The development of new transportation systems, making physical travel more accessible.

Answer

The spread of literacy, improving written communication skills.

Answer

The invention of the printing press, enabling the widespread dissemination of information.

Question 37

How has technology affected the concept of personal privacy?

Accepted Answer

Advancements in technology have made it easier for organizations and individuals to collect, store, and share personal data.

Answer

Technology has had no significant impact on the concept of personal privacy.

Answer

Technological developments have made it more difficult for governments to monitor and track citizens.

Question 38

What is a crucial step that societies should take to prepare for the future impacts of technology?

Accepted Answer

Investing in education and training programs to develop a skilled workforce capable of adapting to technological changes.

Answer

Imposing strict regulations and bans on the use of certain technologies.

Answer

Ignoring potential technological advancements and their implications for society.

Question 39

Which of the following is a potential downside of technological advancements in society?

Accepted Answer

Increased isolation and social fragmentation

Answer

Enhanced access to education and information

Answer

Improved communication and connectivity

Answer

Increased productivity and economic growth

Question 40

According to the concept of 'technological determinism', what is the primary driver of social change?

Accepted Answer

Technology alone

Answer

A combination of technology and social factors

Answer

Social factors

Question 41

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies the 'autonomous' model of technological change?

Accepted Answer

The invention of the personal computer revolutionizing communication and information sharing

Answer

Social movements influencing the use of social media platforms

Answer

Government regulations shaping the development of autonomous vehicles

Question 42

The 'social shaping' perspective on technology emphasizes that:

Accepted Answer

Technology is not neutral but is influenced and shaped by social factors.

Answer

Social factors have no impact on the development or use of technology

Answer

Technology is the sole determinant of social change

Question 43

Which of the following is an ethical concern often associated with technological advancements?

Accepted Answer

The potential for privacy breaches and surveillance

Answer

The development of renewable energy sources

Answer

The creation of new employment opportunities

Question 44

The concept of 'technological singularity' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The hypothetical point at which artificial intelligence may surpass human intelligence

Answer

The widespread adoption of technology in all aspects of life

Answer

The ethical implications of using technology for social control

Question 45

Which of the following is a characteristic of 'disruptive technologies'?

Accepted Answer

They disrupt existing markets and create new ones

Answer

They are typically adopted slowly and gradually

Answer

They are always compatible with existing technologies

Question 46

According to the 'diffusion of innovations' theory, how do new technologies typically spread through a society?

Accepted Answer

In a predictable pattern over time, influenced by factors such as social networks and perceived benefits

Answer

Only through government mandates or corporate marketing campaigns

Answer

Randomly and without any discernible pattern

Question 47

Which of the following is a potential impact of social media on social relationships?

Accepted Answer

Both strengthening and weakening social connections, depending on individual usage patterns and social context

Answer

Having no significant impact on social relationships

Answer

Only weakening social connections by reducing face-to-face interactions

Answer

Only strengthening social connections by providing new channels for communication

Question 48

The 'digital divide' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The gap in access to and use of technology between different segments of the population

Answer

The rapid pace of technological advancements

Answer

The ethical concerns surrounding the development of new technologies

Question 49

Which theorist is known for arguing that technology has a powerful influence on society, leading to a situation where technology dictates social development, a concept referred to as 'technological determinism'?

Accepted Answer

Jacques Ellul

Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Emile Durkheim

Question 50

The idea that technology is not simply a neutral tool but is shaped by social values, power structures, and cultural contexts is known as:

Accepted Answer

Social Construction of Technology

Answer

Technological Utopia

Answer

Cybernetics

Answer

Technological Determinism

Question 51

The widespread adoption of social media platforms has significantly altered how people interact and communicate. This exemplifies technology's impact on which aspect of society?

Accepted Answer

Social Norms and Values

Answer

Economic Systems

Answer

Political Structures

Answer

Environmental Concerns

Question 52

Which of the following is NOT a potential positive social consequence of technological advancements?

Accepted Answer

Increased surveillance and erosion of privacy

Answer

Improved access to information and education

Answer

Enhanced communication and connectivity

Answer

Greater efficiency and productivity

Question 53

The concept of 'technological convergence' describes:

Accepted Answer

The merging of different technologies into a single, integrated system.

Answer

The spread of technology across different societies.

Answer

The rapid development of new technologies.

Question 54

The term 'cyberculture' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The unique culture and values that emerge within online environments.

Answer

The impact of technology on global cultural exchange.

Answer

The use of technology in traditional cultural practices.

Question 55

Which of the following is NOT a major technological innovation that has significantly shaped social change in the 20th and 21st centuries?

Accepted Answer

The printing press

Answer

Artificial intelligence

Answer

The internet

Answer

Mobile phones

Question 56

The belief that technology can be used to address social issues and create a more just and sustainable future is known as:

Accepted Answer

Technological Optimism

Answer

Technological Determinism

Answer

Cyberpunk

Answer

Technological Pessimism

Question 57

How can the concept of 'agency' be applied to understand the relationship between technology and social change?

Accepted Answer

Individuals and groups have the power to actively influence and shape the development and use of technology.

Answer

Technology is inherently neutral and has no impact on human agency.

Answer

Technology always dictates how individuals behave.