What Is Referred To As The Technological Age

We Are Living In What Is Referred To As The Technological Age With

We are living in what is referred to as the “Technological Age”. With the first mass production of computers by IBM in 1981 (IBM 5150), the world was forever changed. Many individuals have never experienced a world without computers or cell phones. However, many citizens worldwide have limited knowledge of the technology that influences many aspects of modern life. The concept of 'Cultural Lag' describes this disconnect between technological advancements and societal adaptation.

Research should explore who is most affected by cultural lag and the reasons for this disparity. Consider the long-term consequences of this phenomenon, supported by statistics where relevant. Suggested organizations for gathering information include the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the Red Cross. Use scholarly sources such as journal articles or academic books accessed through library search engines or Google Scholar, avoiding sources like Wikipedia, About.com, Yahoo, or news outlets.

Paper For Above instruction

The phenomenon of cultural lag manifests in various ways across different demographics, but vulnerable populations often suffer the most. Cultural lag, a term coined by sociologist William F. Ogburn, refers to the delay in societal adaptation to technological innovations (Ogburn, 1922). As technology rapidly advances, many societies, especially those in developing countries or marginalized communities, lag behind in understanding, implementing, and regulating new innovations, leading to significant social disadvantages.

One of the primary groups most affected by cultural lag is children and adolescents in underprivileged regions. Limited access to contemporary technology exacerbates educational disparities and restricts opportunities for skill development essential for participation in the modern economy. According to UNESCO (2021), approximately 60% of children in low-income countries lack access to internet connectivity, hindering their educational progress. In contrast, in high-income countries, digital divide issues are less severe but still persistent among marginalized groups, including indigenous populations and rural communities.

Another vulnerable group experiencing significant impacts from cultural lag is elderly populations. Many older adults face difficulties in adapting to new digital technologies, leading to social isolation and reduced access to vital services such as healthcare and social communication (Choi et al., 2020). The World Health Organization (2020) reports that older adults who lack digital literacy are less likely to utilize telehealth services, which became especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, thus affecting their health outcomes.

Cultural lag also deepens inequalities related to healthcare technology. The disparity in the adoption of medical innovations further marginalizes developing regions. For instance, advanced diagnostic tools and electronic health records are predominantly available in high-income countries, leaving low-resource settings dependent on outdated methods. Such technological disparities directly impact health outcomes, with WHO estimates indicating that low-income countries account for the vast majority of preventable deaths due to lack of access to modern healthcare technology (WHO, 2019).

Long-term consequences of cultural lag include widening socioeconomic gaps, increased health disparities, and diminished global equity. The digital divide hampers economic growth in developing regions as populations are unable to fully participate in the digital economy. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU, 2022) reports that over 3.7 billion people remain offline globally, with the majority residing in developing nations. This digital exclusion impairs their ability to access job opportunities, education, and essential health information, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.

Furthermore, cultural lag affects social cohesion and trust in institutions. As technological advancements outpace societal understanding or regulation, misinformation, privacy concerns, and cybersecurity threats grow, undermining societal stability. A Pew Research Center study (2021) indicates that 65% of adults in the United States worry about the inability to keep up with technological changes, which fosters skepticism towards technological innovations and institutions responsible for managing these advancements.

Addressing cultural lag requires concerted efforts to bridge the technological divide through policy initiatives, education, and international cooperation. Organizations like the United Nations advocate for universal access to digital technologies as a means to promote sustainable development and social inclusion (UN, 2021). Such initiatives focus on expanding infrastructure, enhancing digital literacy, and creating inclusive policies to benefit the most vulnerable groups. From a health perspective, WHO emphasizes the importance of integrating technology into healthcare systems to improve outcomes, especially in resource-limited settings (WHO, 2020).

In conclusion, marginalized populations, including children in low-income countries and older adults, suffer most from cultural lag, which perpetuates inequality and impacts social and economic development. The long-term effects of cultural lag threaten global progress toward equitable development, health, and social cohesion. Overcoming this challenge necessitates a global commitment to ensuring equitable access to technological advancements and inclusive societal adaptation to foster a more equitable future.

References

Choi, N. G., Kong, L., & DiNitto, D. M. (2020). Digital literacy and aging: Implications for social participation and health. The Gerontologist, 60(3), 505–515.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU). (2022). Measuring digital development: Facts and figures 2022.

Ogburn, W. F. (1922). Social change. B.W. Huebsch.

Pew Research Center. (2021). Americans’ views on technology and digital privacy.

UNESCO. (2021). The digital divide, access, and educational inequality.

United Nations. (2021). E-commerce and technology: Promoting inclusive development.

World Health Organization (WHO). (2019). Global strategy on digital health.

World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Aging and eHealth: Opportunities and challenges.

Additional scholarly sources, reports, and journal articles should be incorporated as needed to broaden the analysis and support claims made within this paper.