Discusion 5

Evolution of Technology and Its Impact on Society
The rate of technological advancement has significantly accelerated over time. While our
ancestors took millions of years to harness fire, it only took decades to progress from the first
flight to landing on the moon (World Economic Forum, 2023). In our modern era, technology
plays a pivotal role in shaping societal structures, economic systems, cultural norms, and
individual lifestyles.
Societal Structures
Industrial Era
The profound impact of the Industrial Revolution on societies is evidenced through the
introduction of mechanization, factories, and urbanization. This significant
transformation resulted in a shift from agrarian lifestyles to urban centers,
fundamentally altering the social and economic fabric of communities.
Digital Age
The digital revolution has led to substantial transformations in connectivity, automation,
and information exchange, resulting in the reorganization of work structures,
communication methods, and social dynamics.
Economic Systems
Industrial Era
The advent of factories, mass production, and assembly lines marked a revolutionary
phase in the development of economies. This era also witnessed the emergence of labor
specialization and the rise of capitalism as a dominant economic system.
Digital Age
The contemporary digital economy is characterized by E-commerce, automation, and

global supply chains. Additionally, gig work and platform-based jobs are prevalent in this
landscape.
Cultural Norms:
Industrial Era
The prevailing norms included adherence to traditional values, strong family structures,
and deep respect for local customs.
Digital Age
With the continual expansion of globalization, the prevalence of multiculturalism, and
the pervasive influence of digital media, cultural norms have been significantly impacted
(Conerly et al., 2024). Social media platforms play a pivotal role in shaping
contemporary trends and behaviors.
Individual Lifestyle
Industrial Era
Rural vs. urban lifestyles, manual labor, and limited mobility.
Digital Age
The influence of technology spans various aspects of modern life, including mobile
devices, remote work, and personalized experiences. Its impact is evident in domains
such as leisure, health, and relationships.
Examples in My Country (Malawi)
Economics
Evolution: From subsistence farming to small-scale businesses.
Example: Mobile money services (e.g., Airtel Money and TNM Mpamba)
transforming financial inclusion.
Culture:
Evolution: From traditional storytelling to online content.
Example: Some Malawian musicians are utilizing social media platforms to

effectively promote and disseminate their music to a broader audience.
Lifestyle:
Evolution: From landline phones to smartphones.
Example: Mobile apps for weather updates, health information, and education.
Key Factors Driving Changes
Technological Advancements
Mobile networks, internet infrastructure, and affordable smartphones.

Example: Mobile-based agricultural extension services.
Globalization and Connectivity
Access to global information and markets.
Example: Online trading platforms for commodities.
Symbolic Interactionism and Functionalism
Symbolic Interactionism:
Social media shapes self-identity and interpersonal communication.
Example: Facebook influencing social interactions and self-presentation.
Functionalism:
Social media serves functions (information exchange, social bonding).
Example: WhatsApp and Facebook groups for community coordination.
In summary, technology’s evolution profoundly impacts society, and theoretical perspectives

help us understand its effects. Social media platforms, as emerging technologies, redefine
communication, identity, and social interactions
Reference:
Conerly, T.R., Holmes, K., Tamang, A.L., Hensley, J., Trost, J.L., Alcasey, P., McGonigal, K.,
Griffiths, H., Keirns, N., Strayer, E., Sadler, T., Cody-Rydzewski, S., Scaramuzzo, G., Vyain, S., Bry,
J., & Jones, F. (2024). Introduction to Sociology (3rd ed.).
OpenStax. https://openstax.org/details/books/introduction-sociology-3e
World Economic Forum(2023). A timeline of technology transformation: How has the pace
changed? World Economic Forum (weforum.org).
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/02/this-timeline-charts-the-fast-pace-of-tech-
transformation-across-centuries/

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Evolution of Technology and Its Impact on Society

The contemporary digital economy is characterized by E-commerce, automation, and

Rural vs. urban lifestyles, manual labor, and limited mobility.

Examples in My Country (Malawi)

Evolution: From subsistence farming to small-scale businesses.

Evolution: From traditional storytelling to online content.

Example: Some Malawian musicians are utilizing social media platforms to

Evolution: From landline phones to smartphones.

Key Factors Driving Changes

Mobile networks, internet infrastructure, and affordable smartphones.

Globalization and Connectivity

Access to global information and markets.

Example: Online trading platforms for commodities.

Symbolic Interactionism and Functionalism

Social media shapes self-identity and interpersonal communication.

Example: Facebook influencing social interactions and self-presentation.

Social media serves functions (information exchange, social bonding).

Example: WhatsApp and Facebook groups for community coordination.

In summary, technology’s evolution profoundly impacts society, and theoretical perspectives

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