Media, Culture, and Communication

Technology Changes People's Lives

It can undoubtedly be stated that technology has changed and modified people's lives. Firstly, the electronic revolution improves communication. Examples of this include the internet, cellphones, etc...Technological advances change business and workplaces and hence, the world economy. Computer-driven robots now help to make manufactured goods such as automobiles. Rapid communication and data transmission allows many workers today to "telecommute", or do their jobs by computer from home. Finally, to be considered, is the issue of economic domination. High-tech workplces are found mainly in industrialized countries such as the USA and Japan. This technological imbalance has given rise to a new kind of economic imperialism in which the industrialized nations dominate less developed countries. Technology has made developed countries economically stronger and has given developed nations better military equipment with which to influence behavior of less-developed countries.

Modern world history patterns of interaction. (2009). Evanston, Ill.: McDougal Littell.

Questions
1. In your opinion, is technology a positive or a negative thing?
2. Has technology had an effect on you? What is it?

Dangers to the Global Environment

The concern for the environment emerges around the world. One large world-wide concern presently is the issue of global warming. Also, air pollution threatens the atmosphere climate.  Industry and population growth threaten to deplete natural resources. Also, to be considered, is that energy use creates pollution and also depletes resources.

Modern world history patterns of interaction. (2009). Evanston, Ill.: McDougal Littell.

Questions
1. Describe the perfect environment.
2. What are your thoughts about global warming?
3. Have you read Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth"? If so, give an opinion.

Mass Media Changes Culture

When discussing mass media, one may automatically think of televisions. It is now highly recognized that every one in the world may be watching one thing (eg: the olympics). Also, with the development of mass media, popular culture (more commonly known as pop culture) has spread. There is, for instance, increased familiarity in the US with African music, Asian philosophy. Latin  American literature demonstrates the power of the mass media to promote great awareness and mixing of different cultures. Mass media may also cause deep changes in traditional cultures. In some cases, people experience a loss of identity; they may find themselves in conflict over competing values.
Modern world history patterns of interaction. (2009). Evanston, Ill.: McDougal Littell.

Questions
1. Can you live without television?
2. What joins us to different cultures around the world?