Running Head 5 2 Activity Reflection Self

Running Head 5 2 Activity Reflection Self

Artis Johnson

Technology and Society

Dr. Alan Wells

Southern New Hampshire University

November 27, 2022

Introduction

Perception influences how individuals interpret and respond to the world around them. The advent of technology, particularly the internet, has significantly transformed our perception by providing immediate access to vast amounts of information and fostering new ways of understanding reality. While this technological evolution offers many benefits, it also presents challenges, especially concerning biases and preconceived notions that can distort one’s view of people, ideas, and situations.

The Impact of Technology on Personal Perception

The internet has revolutionized the way I perceive the world, allowing me to form initial impressions based on online content before experiencing things firsthand. This immediacy can be advantageous, providing quick insights and broad perspectives. However, it can also lead to misconceptions if the perceptions are formed solely through digital filters. Premature judgments can reinforce biases, potentially leading to misunderstandings and unfair attitudes toward individuals or groups. Recognizing that perception is subjective and personalized helps mitigate some of these biases, although the influence of external information sources remains powerful.

The Role of Bias and Openness in Shaping Perception

Bias is a natural aspect of human cognition, often arising from limited information, cultural influences, or personal experiences. Once a bias develops, it tends to be resistant to change unless an individual actively seeks to challenge and broaden their perspective. I consider myself open-minded, driven by curiosity and a love of learning. This openness allows me to explore various technologies without prejudice, fostering a desire to understand their positive and negative aspects equally.

Despite the tendency for biases to affect perceptions, I believe that curiosity and awareness can help overcome unfounded prejudgments. Many people harbor biases against certain technologies because of negative hearsay or misinformation. They fail to recognize that, in most cases, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks when technology is used responsibly. My aim is to educate others about the positive impacts of technology on society, emphasizing the importance of informed and critical engagement with new innovations.

Technology in My Field of Study: Public Health

As a student aiming for a career in public health, I understand the critical role technology plays in healthcare and disease management. Modern research relies heavily on advanced laboratories, data analysis tools, and communication platforms—all of which are driven by technological innovation. The internet facilitates rapid dissemination of information related to emerging diseases, vaccines, and health guidelines, enabling timely responses to health crises.

In public health, technology is essential for disease surveillance, data collection, and analysis. During outbreaks, real-time data helps professionals track the spread of illnesses and coordinate responses effectively. Telemedicine and mobile health applications increase access to care, especially in remote or underserved areas. Public health campaigns leverage digital media to spread awareness and educate communities globally, reducing the spread of misinformation and providing accurate health information quickly.

Media and Visual Content

The utilization of various media types enhances the dissemination of health information. Visual aids like infographics, videos, and images help simplify complex data, making it accessible to a broad audience. For example, infographics illustrating proper handwashing techniques or vaccination benefits improve understanding and encourage compliance. Videos demonstrating symptom recognition or treatment options can be shared across social media platforms, increasing outreach and engagement.

By integrating multimedia with traditional communication strategies, public health initiatives can be more effective in reaching diverse populations. Visual content also fosters emotional connections and motivates behavioral change, which is vital during health crises such as epidemics or vaccination campaigns.

Conclusion

Technology has fundamentally reshaped our perception of the world, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Through increased access to information, it fosters curiosity and learning while also risking the propagation of biases if not critically evaluated. In my journey toward a career in public health, I recognize that technology is indispensable for research, communication, and health promotion. Harnessing its potential responsibly can lead to better health outcomes and a more informed society, provided that individuals remain aware of their biases and actively seek balanced, credible information sources.

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