How Technology Is Changing What And How We E

How Technology Is Changing What and How We E

Identify the core themes of your chosen source concerning how technology influences societal aspects, such as food production or cultural practices. In the case of the article by Lisa Kretz, focus on the impact of technological advances like biotechnology and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on food systems, including their development, public perception, safety concerns, and industry conflicts. For the secondary source by Mary Zaborskis, examine how cultural practices, like child pageants, are influenced by societal norms and media, emphasizing feminist perspectives and the need for more empirical research on these phenomena.

Develop an analytical paper that synthesizes these themes to explore the broader implications of technological and cultural shifts. The paper should include an introduction outlining the significance of technological change in shaping societal practices, followed by body paragraphs analyzing specific instances or case studies from the sources. Discuss how these technological innovations or cultural phenomena are interconnected, their societal ramifications, ethical considerations, and the roles of industry, media, and policy. Conclude with reflections on the importance of research, ethical oversight, and potential future developments in these areas.

Paper For Above instruction

In the contemporary era, technology exerts profound influence on various aspects of societal life, from the way food is produced to cultural practices surrounding childhood and gender. By examining specific cases—such as advances in biotechnology and GMOs in agriculture, and the media-driven sexualization in child pageantry—we can better understand how technological and cultural shifts shape human experiences, raise ethical questions, and necessitate ongoing research and regulation.

Lisa Kretz's article, "How Technology Is Changing What and How We Eat," provides a comprehensive overview of scientific and technological innovations transforming the food industry (Kretz, 2018). The rise of biotechnology, particularly genetic modification, has revolutionized food production by creating GMOs that promise increased yield, pest resistance, and nutritional enhancement. However, alongside these benefits come significant debates over safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Public skepticism is fueled by concerns over potential health risks, ecological consequences, and corporate control over seed patents. The industry has actively promoted GMOs as solutions to global food security, but critics argue that insufficient testing and transparency threaten consumer rights and environmental sustainability. This duality exemplifies how technological progress often involves complex societal negotiations, balancing innovation with safety and ethics.

The source’s credibility stems from its publication within a reputable interdisciplinary handbook affiliated with an academic institution, authored by a university professor with numerous publications and a Ph.D. in philosophy. The article is well-cited, reflecting thorough research and objectivity, although it exhibits a subtle bias against GMOs aligned with a cautious perspective. It remains relevant as the debate over GMOs persists today, with recent regulatory changes and industry practices continuing to shape the discourse.

In parallel, Zaborskis's study, "Age Drag," explores how media and societal expectations influence the sexualization of young girls through practices like child pageants (Zaborskis, 2018). While not directly linked to technology, this phenomenon exemplifies cultural shifts driven by media portrayal and societal norms, which are indirectly impacted by technological advancements such as social media and digital advertising. Media coverage and reality TV shows like "Toddlers and Tiaras" have normalized highly glamorous, adult-like appearances for young girls, perpetuating gendered stereotypes and potentially contributing to early sexualization. Critics argue that such practices reinforce unattainable beauty standards and commodify childhood, raising ethical concerns rooted in gender and social justice frameworks.

This analysis highlights how media technology amplifies cultural practices, influencing societal perceptions of childhood and femininity. Zaborskis emphasizes a feminist perspective, questioning who is responsible and advocating for more empirical research to understand the long-term impacts of these practices on children's development and societal gender norms.

Integrating insights from these sources reveals that technological and media innovations, whether in food biotechnology or entertainment, profoundly affect societal values, ethical considerations, and individual well-being. Both cases underscore the importance of responsible research, transparent industry practices, and regulatory oversight to address potential harms and protect societal interests.

Understanding these interconnected dynamics emphasizes that technological progress does not occur in a vacuum. It reflects and shapes cultural values, often requiring a careful balancing act between innovation and ethical responsibility. Future developments should prioritize multidisciplinary research, stakeholder engagement, and public education to navigate these complex social terrains effectively.

References

• Kretz, Lisa. "How Technology Is Changing What and How We Eat." Macmillan Interdisciplinary Handbooks: Philosophy: Technology, edited by Anthony F. Beavers, Macmillan US, 1st edition, 2018. Credo Reference, Accessed 11 Nov. 2018.
• Zaborskis, Mary. "Age Drag." WSQ: Women's Studies Quarterly - The Feminist Press, 12 November 2018.
• Cronin, M. (2013). The Public Image of Food: Food Policy and Public Perception. Food Policy, 43, 19-29.
• Gordon, R. (2014). Biotechnology and the Future of Food. Trends in Biotechnology, 32(6), 339–341.
• Leisy, H. (2015). Media, Gender, and the Cultural Politics of Childhood. Journal of Children and Media, 9(4), 392-394.
• Sherman, G. (2017). Ethical Concerns in Genetically Modified Foods. Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics, 30(2), 267-282.
• Schneider, H., & Ingram, J. (2015). Media Impact on Child Development and Gender Stereotypes. Child Development Perspectives, 9(2), 113-117.
• Thompson, S. (2018). Regulatory Challenges in Biotechnology. Journal of Food Science and Policy, 23(3), 45-58.
• Wright, P. (2019). The Role of Social Media in Shaping Childhood Norms. New Media & Society, 21(4), 869-885.
• Zaborskis, M. (2018). Feminist Perspectives on Child Culture and Media. Feminist Media Studies, 18(7), 1049-1063.