TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Every time a new piece of technology is invented, it is done with the thought of making our lives more manageable and accessible, which if you see in a way is a social thought process, but do we feel responsible for the impact of technology on the society that we live in? 

The quality of our lives, be it on an individual level or in a group, depends to a significant extent on the technological applications. In such a way our lives are shaped around the utilization of this technology that we can not afford to ignore it, but can we overlook the ethics? Protection of rights?

We cannot!

Which is why today's post is emphasized on how technology leaves a mark on the society, good or bad, how it should be used for social justice and what soon to launch into the market "tech trends" might have an impact on social justice.

Let's begin!

Now when someone says the word “technology”, the first thing that comes to your mind would be automation. 

• Undoubtedly the most waited for; automation is a technological advancement that has helped increase the speed and accuracy of the production, thereby escalating the efficiency and increasing the cut-throat competition in every industry. Moreover, it is the technology that has streamlined the system, big as well as small. 
• Speaking of the industries impacted by automation, we must not forget how many life-threatening processes such as mining, underwater exploration have been automated by advanced machines, artificial intelligence, and technology. These tasks were otherwise done by humans who would risk their lives for these surveys and tasks. 
• Automation is not just limited to industries and organization; it has made household management easy with machines and appliances efficiently performing tasks in no time that would take hours, thereby saving time, money, and energy. 
• The medical field has significantly benefited from modern technology. The applications have made it easier for the medical professionals and experts to identify and timely treat a condition before its symptoms become apparent, and it gets worse. 
• Technology is why the world seems like a small place, and we are able to have better communication with our friends and family sitting on the other side of the world. The developments in networking have led to social media, which has completely redefined how communication happens. 

While there are innumerable advantages that the onset and development of technology brought with it, there are equally concerning drawbacks which should not be overlooked:

• Let's start with accessibility. Is technology accessible to all? Can people irrespective of their financial status reap benefits from the latest technological advancements that everybody is raving about? 
• The same technology that has brought us close together is responsible for creating communities and sub-cultures that reinforce their ulterior motives and biases, creating a breeding ground for hatred and harassment behind the screen. Technology has this damaging power of increasing the gap, inequality, and division in our society. 
• While automation is escalating efficiency and productivity for the consumers and manufacturers, isn't it also leading to significant job losses? Technology is supposed to assist human in reaching greater heights in their respective task not to replace them. 
• Our increasing dependence on technology is leading to social isolation. Humans are social beings; we need to interact and engage in conversation that brings change to the society and not fret over with the feeling of immediate response on social channels. 
• They say privacy is a myth. The growing technology is only substantiating this. With significant data leaks, breaches haunting 2018 and making general population skeptical of everything under the fear that their data might be used for deceitful purpose without their consent. While on the one hand, technology is helping enriching user experience; on the other hand, it is also making data vulnerable to theft and breach. The privacy should not be justified or defended; it is an integral part of society and should be protected. 

Having discussed how technology has been helping and some time hampering the efforts of bringing social justice, let us dive into the how can technology be used for ensuring social justice:

• EDUCATION:

Technology has made education digital and global, but accessibility is still a long way to go. We can harness digital media and technology to develop literacy programs that are available on a worldwide scale. A virtual simulation which is used for gaming can be used to enrich student's experience of gathering knowledge and skills. 

• EMPLOYMENT

Automation, despite its pros and cons, can be judiciously used to make sure that the application is human-centric and participatory so that it can enhance the employee's experience, their ability, and creativity to perform better and grow in their career. 

• ACCESSIBILITY:

Just like education, technology should make basic necessity accessible to all, especially the low-income nations. The telecommunication system and other modern technologies should be used to promote social justice across the world. 

• SECURITY:

The same technology that has been the reason for the security breach loophole should be used for privacy protection. With EU implementing GDPR, it seems like a good start, but privacy regulation needs to be strengthened, and those responsible for the discriminatory practices like cyber attacks should be held accountable for, with strict implications. 

I, in no way, mean to say it is the technology that is creating problems and we must control our desire to depend on it, but it is the way it is developed and applied, especially in the social and economic landscape that leaves the loopholes for threats and risks. Technology is a notable part of the human life cycle, which is why it is crucial to observe it from all possible different angles with a comprehensive approach so that we are able to identify its possibilities and threats; and proceed in a manner that every application and action drive the world towards a more equal and justified future. 

After all, making our life easier should not come at the cost of disrupting and ruining our society, right?

What do you have to say about technology and its impact on social justice?

Share in the comments below!