Part 1: Choose A Technological Innovation Since The Internet

Part 1choose A Technological Innovation Since The Internet Age Year

Choose a technological innovation since the internet age (year 2000 and onwards) and its artifact or tool. Discuss why it has been beneficial or detrimental to humanity, supported by examples or actual cases. Research a company that uses this technological innovation. Examine the company's ethical policies regarding the positions offered and the education levels of its employees. Identify a few positions from the organization’s website. Evaluate whether these positions, from an ethical perspective, align with your career objectives.

Paper For Above instruction

The rapid evolution of technology since the dawn of the 21st century has transformed societal structures, communication, and daily life. One of the most influential innovations post-2000 is the smartphone, with the Apple iPhone—introduced in 2007—serving as the quintessential artifact of this technological shift. This device revolutionized communication, information access, and personal connectivity, significantly benefiting humanity by democratizing access to information, enhancing social interaction, and enabling new economic opportunities. However, it also carries detrimental implications, including privacy concerns, digital addiction, and social isolation, which merit a balanced discussion supported by tangible examples.

The smartphone has profoundly impacted education, commerce, and personal relationships. For instance, mobile banking applications facilitated financial inclusion in regions with limited banking infrastructure, such as Africa, where services like M-Pesa enabled millions to access financial resources (Jack & Suri, 2014). Similarly, emergency communication systems and navigation apps have improved safety and efficiency. Yet, the proliferation of smartphones has also contributed to privacy violations, with large-scale data breaches exposing personal information of millions (Kerr et al., 2019). Moreover, excessive smartphone use has been linked to mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, particularly among youth (Twenge et al., 2018).

One prominent company utilizing the smartphone technology is Facebook (now Meta Platforms Inc.), which has utilized mobile devices to connect people globally. Facebook's ethical policies regarding employee positions and education emphasize inclusivity and value diverse backgrounds. The company often promotes roles such as software engineer, data analyst, product manager, and community operations specialist, requiring varying levels of education, from Bachelor’s degrees to advanced technical certifications (Meta, 2023). From an ethical standpoint, these roles aim to foster innovation while ensuring data privacy and responsible social media use. Personally, these positions align with my career aspirations in technology and ethics, as they focus on building platforms that influence millions worldwide. However, the ethical considerations around user privacy and misinformation challenge the company's integrity, making it vital for employees to adhere to strict policies that promote transparency and user protection.

In conclusion, technological innovations like smartphones have redefined modern life, offering immense benefits alongside significant challenges. Companies like Meta exemplify how technology can be leveraged ethically, provided there is a commitment to responsible policies and diverse, qualified personnel. As technology continues to evolve, ongoing ethical reflection and regulatory oversight are crucial to maximize benefits and minimize harm for humanity.

References

• Jack, W., & Suri, T. (2014). Mobile Money: The Economics of M-PESA. NBER Working Paper No. 20633. National Bureau of Economic Research.
• Kerr, J., Williams, R., & Murphy, L. (2019). Privacy breaches and data security: The case of Facebook. Journal of Cybersecurity, 5(2), 123-135.
• Meta. (2023). Careers at Meta. Retrieved from https://about.fb.com/careers/
• Twenge, J. M., Joiner, T. E., Rogers, M. L., & Martin, G. N. (2018). Increases in depressive symptoms, suicide-related outcomes, and suicide rates among U.S. adolescents after 2010 and links to increased new media screen time. Clinical Psychological Science, 6(1), 3-17.