SCIENCE IN THE SOCIETY AND SERVICE TO MAN

Dr. (Mrs) Olowe, B. M. & Dr. David, O. M.

1.0 Introduction
The word science originates from Latin word “scientia” meaning knowledge. It signifies a whole
body of ideas referring to the same object which are logically connected and interconnected.
Science is also define as the means through which knowledge is arranged in an organized pattern
and this knowledge is derivable from experience, observation and experimentation. This definition
also conforms to the definition given by Oxford Advanced Dictionary of Current English which
defines Science as “…The study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world and
society, especially through observation and experience”.

Consequently, it can be argued that science is concerned about the observation of the environment,
which proper understanding is made possible through experiential process. Therefore, science is
the sensory process of epistemological comprehension of nature towards the discovery of objective
principles that aid man to logically interpret and domesticate the environment without dislocating
the web of nature. The development of science produced countless discoveries and inventions
which give us positive and negative effects. Science makes lives better and with it work is done
easier and faster. Science helps man to organize his daily activities and to effectively communicate
with one another.

Science has enormous influence on our lives. It provides the basis of much of modern technology -
the tools, materials, techniques, and sources of power that make our lives and work easier. New
ways of processing, preserving and flavouring food and feeds has been discovered through
Science. Scientific research has created a vast range of plastics and other synthetic materials,
which several applications in the home and in industry. Hence change the man and his lifestyle,
food, habits among others.

The way of communication between people and recreational activities has been influenced by
scientific discoveries. In short, science has changed, improved, enhanced, modified and refined
human life in all ways. Many superstitious beliefs had been rebuffed, with Science many strange and
mysterious events or observations are not cleared. The Science of Genetics opening new doors of
understanding the human gene and cell. Paternity could be determined, ages of objects could be
determined through carbon dating. Location, direction and distance of objects are now determined
by the application of Science.
2.0 Objectives
At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
i. Highlight the definitions of science
ii. Discuss the positive impact of science on the society and service to man
iii. Discuss the negative impact of science on the society and man

3.0 Main Content

3.1 Impact of Science on the Society and Service to Man
It is said that our life outwardly has changed more in the last one hundred years than it was in
thousands of years earlier. This is due to the scientific knowledge accumulated over the last three
centuries and its application in the form of technology. So the impact of science on the society is
very visible as it has led to progress in agriculture, medicine and health care, telecommunications,
transportation, computerization, informatics, architecture, aeronautics and naval engineering
among others. Though, science has provided sundry solutions and inventions to the development of
the society yet it has also bequeathed to humanity violence and war, a culture of death and a
godless world of unbelief. Consequently, at the various levels of the physical, intellectual and
metaphysical realms, it is not difficult to isolate a plethora of positive constitutions of science as
well as an enormity of its disservice to humanity.

The positive impacts of science to the society and service to man is concisely discussed below:
3.1.1 Agriculture
Farmers have been improving wild plants and animals through the selection and breeding of
desirable characteristics. This breeding has resulted in the domesticated plants and animals that
are commonly used in crop and livestock agriculture. In the twentieth century, application of science
in agriculture rapidly improves the agricultural outputs. Plant and animal breeds increased in yields,
they became resistant to disease, pest and herbicide. Some plants have been genetically modified
to make them particularly tolerate drought and enhanced flavour. Delaying the ripening process in
fruit is of interest to allow more time for shipment of fruit from the farmer’s fields to the grocer’s
shelf, and increases the shelf life of the fruit for consumers. Adequate knowledge of parent plants in
term of both nutritional and anti-nutritional constituents such as protein, fat, fibre, micronutrients,
amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, toxins and anti-nutrients are now documented. Plants are now
manipulated to increase the nutritional qualities and reduce anti-nutritional qualities.

3.1.2 Business and Banking

Science also plays a significant role in the field of business and banking. Business transactions are
now done through the computer and internet. Payments are now made through Automatic Teller
Machine (ATM) and Point of Sales (POS) Machines. Cashless economy is now in vogue all over the
world. This is made possible by the Science. Science opens the door and allows people to enter into
a new world which is fully developed and well civilized. On line transactions are now made possible.

It is now safer to keep money in the bank unlike in the olden days. Transactions are now more
convenient and save us precious time. Now, we make use of credit cards to withdraw money at any
bank’s ATM at any time. With the use of online banking, bills can be paid conveniently at our
comforts and money can be transferred to another account without necessarily going to the banks.

3.1.3 Electricity
Another important landmark made in the scientific and technological civilization is connected with
the discovery of electricity which came with the invention of telephone, telegraph and later radio,
cameras and television. Indeed, the role of electricity in this sphere is enormous and cannot be
overemphasized here. The successful operations of modern producing industries, factories, firms,
companies, the emergence of institutions of learning at all levels, markets, offices, motor engines
and households, hospitals and so on, all depend so much on electricity supply, without which the
increased extension of human capacity to transform nature or the world would be difficult.

3.1.4 Food processing and preservation

Science has greatly affected the quality and quantity of the food available for man. In the past, food
could not be preserved adequately. Food processing methods is now the type that reduce
contamination by pathogens and also prevent spoilage of raw food stuffs. Now the quick freezing
methods have made possible preservation. Due to modern technologies like dehydration and
sterilization, the chance of food poisoning food infection has been reduced. We get all kinds of
fruits, meats and vegetables (even those ones which are out of season) fresh and hygienic all the
year round.

A century ago, for household purposes, water was carried from wells brooks, streams and rivers in
buckets. It sometimes proved injurious to human health due to contaminations by pathogens
(viruses, bacteria, fungi etc). Science has made better, safer and cleaner alternative water sources
to man. Water now undergo better and economic treatment before being distributed to homes. Now
there is sufficient supply of water in most towns and cities of the world including cities located in
the deserts. For example Los Angeles gets water through pipes from Colorado River, which is about
340 miles away. This water is supplied to Los Angeles after the proper treatment.

3.1.5 Medicine
Now we enjoy better health than our fore-fathers and ancestors. Morbidity and mortality rates have
reduced greatly. Unlike those days when seven out of eight babies died before their first birthdays.
With the help of vaccines, medications and proper health care system, life expectancy has
improved. Now people live longer compared to a century ago. The administration of antibiotics and
vaccinations protect man against infectious diseases. The incidence of diseases like small pox,
measles, whooping-cough, scarlet fever, diphtheria has seriously decimated. Science and scientific
methods have helped in finding out causes of diseases and how they could be prevented. Science
has made sanitary condition better than what it used to be. Through the knowledge of Science
medical equipment have been discovered for diagnoses, treatment and management of diseases.

Killer diseases like small pox have been eradicated globally while incidence of some others has
been greatly reduced. Epidemics like Lassa fever, Poliomyelitis, cholera e. t. c and pandemic like
Ebola fever, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, Severe Acute respiratory Syndrome etc) have been
curtailed in many countries of the world.

Today with the help of Science strange and mysterious occurrence can be explained. The Science
of genetics has opened new doors of understanding the human gene and cell. Now the causes of
genetically determined diseases like sickle cell anaemia, haemophilia, Down syndrome, Klinefelter
syndrome, colour blindness among others were well understood. Also science has explained how
they could be prevented or managed.

3.1.6 Music
All kinds of music systems, computer games, electronic video games, DVDs, cinema entertainment
and communication have been brought to our doors with the help of Science. Music today has been
very different from what it used to be a century ago. Science has provided different musical
equipment, improves the existing ones and aids storage and distribution of old and new music.
Storage of audio and visual music are now possible for future reference.

3.1.7 Telecommunication
For communication, now we have fixed wire telephones, moveable wireless phone sets, cordless
phones, mobile phones and internet. Electronic mails, Social Networks, Satellite Communication and
many other ways of communication are now being employed by man. The whole world is now a
global village due to these advances in telecommunication. The benign and benefits of science for
human life are endless. The developments of telephones, handsets, computer microchips, some
applications among others, have made communication easier. In addition this has enabled us to
save time and reduce the risk of travelling. Posting of letters is becoming obsolete, likewise, manual
typewriter and telegram too. It is fashionable and more interesting to now talk of e-mail, e-learning,
e-voting, e-banking, e-research, e-marketing, e-medicine and many more.

3.1.8 Transportation, Travels and Tourism

Man has overcome the challenges posed by long distance and various weather conditions which in
the past have not eased transportation. Obstacles of the high-sea, mountains, and unimaginable
distances have been elliptically attacked. With the airplanes and naval vessels the myths of altitude
and depth have been erased. With rockets, adventures have been made to the moon and other
planets. Today it is possible to have the three square meals of a day in different continents of the
world. Sufficiently fast aeroplanes, automobiles and electric trains can move at very high speed
hence reducing the time of transportation. Large-scale movement of persons, livestock and food
with haulage of goods is now commonplace and provides increasing opportunities for international
and local trades and businesses. Tourism has exponentially increased in recent years due to good,
safe and fast transportation. This has resulted in increasing numbers of exotic/foreign food and
cross fertilization of ideas all over the world.

3.1.9 Ultra-High Frequency

Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) waves are allocated for variety of uses, including television, cellular
phones, public safety radios, business radios, military aircraft communications, military radar,
cordless phones, baby monitors, etc. So, whether someone is watching over-the-air TV, talking on
cell phone, having police/fire/ambulance dispatched to an emergency they are experiencing, or
having national airspace protected by military aircraft, they all are benefitting from the science that
has allowed the use of UHF waves. Even it is used to treat some illnesses.

3.1.10 Weapons
Weapons are used to fight enemies and to maintain law and order. Man has been waging wars for
thousands of years, with primitive weapons but Science has provided sophisticated weapons.
Though this has generated a lot of argument, whether it is a new step in the right direction. Through
these weapons order and orderliness are maintained and national integrities are also maintained.
History shows that man has used atomic bomb and is still using it primarily for destruction rather
than for construction, bringing our planet and our lives to a level of danger which never existed
before. Scientists are pointing out that the third world war would be the last, if it takes place.

3.1.11 Weather Forecast

It is now easier today for man to determine weather and seasons at their private caprice. Moreover,
with the availability of air conditioner, and heaters, the effect of inimical weather changes has been
averted. Even natural disasters can now be predicted with sensitive instruments and are either
averted or made less disastrous. This also assists farmers on when to plant and also control the
movement of aircraft.

3.2 Negative Effects

Science and technology is not giving us only the positive side but it also has its disadvantages that
truly affect human life. If we look around the surroundings, it is so crowded, polluted and damaged
which is caused mainly by the existence of invented technologies throughout the world. Its
existence totally affects our mother earth and our natural environment is replaced by new big
buildings and factories that are managed by technology-based owners. Science also affects our
health and lifestyles. Chemicals produced by technology are hazardous to our health which will
likely result to death and diseases. Persons are now indolent because they are too dependent on
Scientific inventions and don’t work anymore. People’s lifestyles changed. The traditional style of
living is deleted and replaced by modern style of living that destructs our culture and society. As we
manipulate technology, then technology also manipulates us. World is being ran by high-tech
machines and innovated equipment that people think it would give us good effects but rather it
generally changed our whole life that we now forget the simple life that our ancestors left us.
Science and technology allows us to finish works without any efforts. It is a bad influence to us.
Reflecting on its advantages and disadvantages, we now realize its consequences when used by us.
It is up for us if we protect ourselves from exposure of existing technologies and it is within
ourselves where and what to believe among these effects.

Science may have alleviated the miseries of diseases and drudgery and provided an array of
gadgets for our entertainment and convenience, but its impact on our social, mental, physical and
environmental health can be devastating. It has also spawned horrified weapons of mass
destruction and seriously degraded the quality of life. Highlighted below are few of its major
negative impacts on the society and man.

3.2.1 Unemployment and Dissatisfaction

The industrial revolution was immediately accompanied by the mechanization of work. The former
manual work was gradually being put off by mechanical appropriation. This results in displacement
of men from work, thus creating unemployment. Even when there have been welfare provisions for
the unemployed, a deep philosophical problem of satisfaction and fulfilment of man emerges. One
of the primary aim of man working is not only meant for fending for himself but also as a source of
an “ecstasy of accomplishment” arising from the fulfilment of his being.

3.2.2 Social Isolation

This usually comes up as a result of lack of contact with other people in normal daily living, such as,
the workplace, with friends and in social activities. Man isolates himself by walking around in his
own little world, listening to our iPods or staring at the screen of the latest mobile device even when
there are people around him. This social isolation culminate into loss of social skills such the ability
to read body language and social cues in other people.

3.2.3 Mental Relapse

The availability of machines and computers in this technological society makes the human faculties
to lapse to inefficiency. This is truer of the brain where with the common domestic use of
calculators and computers, people are incapable of making minor arithmetic calculations. This is
because since people can store information in the computers, nobody can again memorize small
phrases or even phone numbers. The point is that technology tends to make native capacities
redundant to a dangerous extent.
3.2.4 Health Problems
Many health problems have been generated as a result of scientific development around man. For
instance, more time is spent on social media interaction and entertainment while little or no time is
spent being active and exercising, also mindless eating of unhealthy foods such as junks has
contributed to obesity and other health disorders in humans. Depression is on the high side with the
lack of human contact, overeating and lack of exercise. Furthermore, some of the negative effects
of technology can be linked to the effect it has on sleep habits. We get sucked into online activities
that keep us up too late and the constant stream of information can make it difficult to turn off our
brains. Also, the ambient glow from screens can affect the release of melatonin, the sleep
promoting hormone. Constantly looking down at devices can cause neck pain and over time will
cause the neck to lose its natural curve. Eyestrain can also cause headaches, blurred vision and
migraines. Using headphones and ear buds can cause people to lose their hearing over time.

3.2.5 Pollution and Depletion of Natural Resources

Pollution and depletion of our natural resources is on the increase as a result of scientific and
technological development. Industrialization and urbanization have contributed to the pollution of
the environment and also depleting the natural resources available around us.

3.2.6 Globalization and Lack of Privacy

The world is today fast rescinding in the direction of becoming a global village. Scientific progress
through the inauguration of the information super highways or the internet has broken barriers of
distance. Personal privacy of correspondence and communication or individual security of thought
and information, and many more, are indirectly impactedby the trends of globalization. The internet
has stripped the world of privacy. With a few flicks on a keyboard an average person can find
anyone’s address and contact information. For those with more sinister intentions, the use of
phishing, viruses and hacking helps to find any information they wish to obtain. Moreover, people
have no sense of privacy online. They don’t think twice about tweeting every move they make,
freely giving out their location on Google Map and putting their entire life story on Facebook.

3.2.7 Addiction
The fact that scientific development in our world today has brought about addiction into our lives
cannot be overruled. There are so many things we cannot do without. Use of phones, social media,
home appliances, transport system and many more have regimented our lives.

3.2.8 Change in the Concept of Death

In the past man had to live with the idea of his death as an individual. With the advent of technology,
there is a change in the concept of death. Several warfare instruments of mass destruction are
being amassed which consequently has led to sudden death of hundreds and thousands of victims.
In addition, the accidents associated with the developments of airplanes and other means of
transportation claim lives in hundreds and thousands today.

3.2.9 Spiritual and Religio-Moral Derogation

Science has impacted our spiritual and moral standards negatively in the world today. The deep
insight into scientific discovery has wiped the existence of God, the creator from the mind of some.
And so they conclude that there is no God based on their scientific knowledge. Likewise, derogation
has also delved into religion and morals today. Immoral and pornographic pictures found on the
internet has eaten deep into the society and immoral acts, dressing and speeches are now gaining
legal ground in the society.

4.0 Conclusion
The contributions of science to foster development in the world cannot be over emphasized. It has
in no doubt impacted the society as we experience its effect in our daily lives. It has an effect on the
growth of the economy, our culture and our standard of living. However, it is imperative to note that
the benefits are a double-edged sword with some being detrimental and others being beneficial.
Therefore, one should be very careful and allow moderation to guide us as regards its application.

5.0 Summary
This chapter has shown Science to be a means through which knowledge is arranged in an
organized pattern and this knowledge is derivable from experience, observation and
experimentation. It has impacted both the society and man positively as it brings about
development, civilization and improvement in standard of living. However, its negativity on the
society cannot be overruled.

6.0 Revision Exercise

i. Outline several definitions of Science
ii. Discuss the role of Science in world’s revolution
iii. The impacts of Science on the society and man are double-edged sword. Discuss

7.0 References
Burke, J., Bergman, J. and Asimov, I. (1985).The impact of science on society, Series of
lectures given at a public lecture series sponsored by National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, Washington, DC.

Critchfield, H. J. (1974).General Climatology, New Jersey, Prentice-HallInc., 1974, p. 1-412.

 Ekanem, S. A. (2007). Philosophy, Education, Science and Technology Defined” in Samuel,
Ekanem and Joseph Ogar (eds.) Philosophy, Education, Science and Technology. Calabar:
Samri press. Ekpiken.

Ekanem, S. A., Ekanem, R. S., Ejue, J. B. and Amimi, P. B. (2010).Science and technology
research for sustainable development in Africa: The imperative of education , An International
Multi-Disciplinary Journal, Ethiopia, 4(3b): 71-89

Mbat, J. P. (2013). Science, Technology and the Future of Man, IOSR Journal of Humanities
and Social Science, 8(2):01-09.

Okechukwu, M. I. (2011). Impact of science and scientific worldview on man: a critical review,
Ogirisi: A New Journal of African Studies, 8:142-180.

Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary of current English. Oxford: Oxford

University press.

Zhdanova, I. V., Lynch, H. J. and Wurtman, R. J. (1997). Melatonin: A sleep promoting

hormone, Sleep, 20(10): 899-907

CHAPTER FIVE
TECHNOLOGY IN THE SOCIETY AND SERVICE TO MAN
Isinkaye M. O., Adesakin G. E. & Adeleye F. A

1.0 Introduction
The word “technology” was derived from two Greek words; namely techne (art, craft, skill), and
logos, (word – word as expressing an inward thought or knowledge, reason, study or discourse).
Technology therefore refers to a discourse or study on the arts, a systematic study of techniques or
regular methods of producing or making things. Technology can simply be defined as the "science
of craft". It can also be defined as the knowledge of techniques and processes involved in making
things. It is a common knowledge that humans are distinguished from other creatures by their
technological abilities, and man has often been described as a tool-using animal. Technology has
also been described as the knowledge dealing with scientific and industrial methods and their
practical uses in life. However, it can also be referred to as tools and machines that may be used to
solve real-world problems. It is a far-reaching term that may include simple tools, such as a crowbar
or wooden spoon, or more complex machines, such as a space station or particle accelerator. Thus
at a point it may not, in practice, be easy to separate modern science from technology. On the one
hand, science can be said to be a fundamental study which is concerned with the systematic
application of empirical methods in the rigorous study of nature, while technology on the other hand
is concerned with the use of scientific knowledge to develop different techniques of producing
material things. Technology is intervention by design: the use of practical and intellectual resources
to develop products and systems that expand human possibilities by addressing needs and realising
opportunities. Adaptation and innovation are at the heart of technological practice. Technology is
never static. It is influenced by and in turn impacts on the cultural, ethical, environmental, political,
and economic conditions of the day.
2.0 Objectives

3.0 Main Content

3.1 Pre-historical background of technological evolution
3.2 Paleolithic (2.5 Ma – 10 ka)
The use of tools by early humans was partly a process of discovery and of evolution. Early humans
evolved from a species of foraging hominids which were already bipedal, with a brain mass
approximately one third of modern humans. Tool utilization remained relatively unchanged for most
of early human history. Approximately 50,000 years ago, the use of tools and complex set of
behaviours emerged, believed by many archaeologists to be connected to the emergence of fully
modern language.
3.3 Stone tool
Hominids started using primitive stone tools millions of years ago. The earliest stone tools were little
more than a fractured rock, but approximately 75,000 years ago, pressure flaking provided a way to
make much finer work.
3.4 Clothing and shelter
Other technological advances made during the Paleolithic era were clothing and shelter; the
adoption of both technologies cannot be dated exactly, but they were keys to humanity's progress.
As the Paleolithic era progressed, dwellings became more sophisticated and more elaborate; as
early as 380 ka, humans were constructing temporary wood huts. Clothing, adapted from the fur
and hides of hunted animals, helped humanity to expand into colder regions; humans began to
migrate out of Africa by 200 ka into other continents such as Europe and Asia.
3.5 Neolithic through classical antiquity (10 ka – 300 CE)
Human's technological ascent began in earnest in what is known as the Neolithic Period ("New
Stone Age"). The invention of polished stone axes was a major advancement that allowed forest
clearance on a large scale to create farms. The use of polished stone axes increased greatly in the
Neolithic, but was originally used in the preceding Mesolithic in some areas such as Ireland.
Agriculture fed larger populations, and the transition to sedentism allowed the raising of more
children, as infants no longer needed to be carried, as nomadic ones must. Additionally, children
could contribute labour to raise crops production more readily than they could during the hunter-
gatherer economy.
3.6 Medieval and modern history (300 CE – present)
Innovations such as silk, the horse collar and horseshoes continued through the Middle Ages to the
first few hundred years after the fall of the Roman Empire. Medieval technology saw the use of
simple machines (such as the lever, the screw, and the pulley) being combined to form more
complicated tools, such as the wheelbarrow, windmills and clocks. The Renaissance brought forth
many of these innovations, including the printing press (which facilitated the greater communication
of knowledge), and technology became increasingly associated with science, which began the cycle
of mutual advancement.
The advancements in technology in this era allowed a more steady supply of food, followed by the
wider availability of consumer goods. Starting in the United Kingdom in the 18th century, the
Industrial Revolution was a period of great technological discovery, particularly in the areas of
agriculture, manufacturing, mining, metallurgy, and transport, driven by the discovery of steam
power. Technology took another step in a second industrial revolution by harnessing electricity to
create innovations such as the electric motor, light bulb, and countless others. Scientific
advancement and the discovery of new concepts later allowed powered flight and advancements in
medicine, chemistry, physics, and engineering.
The rise in technology has led to skyscrapers and broad urban areas whose inhabitants rely on
motors to transport them and their food supply. Communication was also greatly improved with the
invention of the telegraph, telephone, radio and television. The late 19th and early 20th centuries
saw a revolution in transportation with the invention of the airplane and automobile. The 20th
century brought a host of innovations. In physics, the discovery of nuclear fission has led to both
nuclear weapons and nuclear power. Computers were also invented and later miniaturized utilizing
transistors and integrated circuits. Information technology subsequently led to the creation of the
Internet, which ushered in the current Information Age. Humans have also been able to explore
space with satellites (later used for telecommunication) and in manned missions going all the way to
the moon. In medicine, this era brought innovations such as open-heart surgery and later stem cell
therapy along with new medications and treatments.
Complex manufacturing and construction techniques are needed to make and maintain these new
technologies, and entire industries have risen to support and develop succeeding generations of
increasingly more complex tools. Modern technology increasingly relies on training and education –
their designers, builders, maintainers, and users often require sophisticated general and specific
training. Moreover, these technologies have become so complex that entire fields have been
created to support them, including engineering, medicine, and computer science, and other fields
have been made more complex, such as construction, transportation and architecture.
3.7 Positive impacts of Technology on Society
Science and technology are extremely essential in our everyday life as they have made things more
simple, fast and secured. Throughout time, technological and scientific advancements have always
had impacts on society. The earliest simple inventions such as the wheel, lever, pulley and screw
shaped man and the society. Other discoveries helped people move out of caves into stand-alone
structures creating the first distinctive cultures. Although the fields of mechanics, chemistry,
astronomy, metallurgy, and hydraulics were developed long before the laws governing their
functions were understood, early scientific and technological breakthroughs of tool making,
boatbuilding, and dam building helped form the societies and cultures of modern man. Technology
has many effects. It has helped develop more advanced economies (including today's global
economy) and has allowed the rise of a leisure class. Technology has become a huge part in society
and day-to-day life. When societies know more about the development in a technology, they
become able to take advantage of it. When an innovation achieves a certain point after it has been
presented and promoted, this technology becomes part of the society. Digital technology has
entered each process and activity made by the social system. In fact, it constructed another
worldwide communication system in addition to its origin. Other area in which technology has better
our world includes:
3.7.1 Technology Advancement in Medicine and Health care: Technology has helped in saving
many innocent lives. Human medicine and health sciences have improved through the use of
technology. With the aids of technological advances, medical practitioners can now carry out
extensive research on human health. This extensive research has resulted into the development of
new drugs, and treatments which have helped in curing most challenging human diseases and this
has assisted in prolonging human lifespan.
3.7.2 Technology advancement in Communication: Communication is used for a number of
purposes. Both society and organizations depend on communication to transfer information.
People use technology to communicate with each other. Electronic media like radios, televisions,
internet, and social media have improved the way we exchange ideas which can develop our
societies. In many countries, radios and televisions are used to voice the concerns of the society;
they organize live forums where the community can contribute through mobile phones or short
message systems e.g tweeter. During political elections, leaders use radio, television and internet
media to reach the electorates. Over the years, technology has evolved and we have witnessed new
mobile phones such as tablets (e.g ipad) which made communication easier. Nowadays, with the
advent of new technologies you can even do a live video call and see whoever you communicating
with. It is also possible nowadays to attend international conferences as a virtual attendee.
3.7.3 Technological advancements in Agriculture: Agricultural technological advancement has
played a big role in changing the face of agriculture. This has resulted into increased production
and abundant food supply. Farmers now have access to high-yielding, pest-resistant and draught-
resistant crops through technological innovations such as nuclear techniques.
3.7.4 Technological advancements in Education: Advances in technology have greatly changed
the educational sector. We now learn through mobile gadgets such as, iphones, laptops, tablets and
etc. Technology has simplified the way teachers reach their students and it has also helped
students learn from anywhere as well as enable them access academic information at anytime from
anywhere. Technology has made education itself easier. It has provided us with options like smart
classes, multimedia devices, e-libraries, e-books, etc.
3.7.5 Technological advancements in Transportation: Transportation is one of the basic areas that
has been influenced by technology. Society and businesses have benefited from the new
transportation methods. Transportation provides mobility for people and goods. Technology has
helped in advancing all the four types of transportation and these include; road transport used by
automobiles, air transport which is used by airplanes, water transportation which is used by ships
and speed boats, as well as space transportation used to go to the moon. Technologies like
automobiles, buses and trucks have improved the way humans move and how they transport their
goods from one place to another.
3.8 Negative impacts of Technology on Society
Many technological processes produce unwanted by-products known as pollution and deplete
natural resources to the detriment of Earth's environment. Innovations have always influenced the
values of a society and raised new questions of the ethics of technology. Examples include the rise
of the notion of efficiency in terms of human productivity, and the challenges of bioethics. The more
advanced technology becomes; the more it seems to have control over our lives. Today, the use of
technology is widely available and insistently promoted throughout our society.
While technology makes life easier for people, it also creates some problems for our society such as
the decline in ordinary social behaviours. Yet, modern societies realized the significance of
intellectual technology which is a form of new knowledge that achieves goals or solves many
problems. However, the use of technology in all areas of life has increased risks, threats and crimes.
Since human beings are social by nature, relationships nowadays become more dominated by the
use of modern technologies such as social media, which has created a very wide gap that is having
negative impact on family ties.
Currently, people recognize that the use of modern technologies is a requirement for life and an
indication of the cultural awareness of the community. There are increased concerns in the speed at
which modern technology spreads as well as its uses with all its negative impacts. The most
important negative impacts of the use of modern technologies on individual behaviour and the
society at large include:
(i) Social isolation
(ii) Reduction in ties between the family members
(iii) Inactivity leading to obesity
(iv) Waste of time in things that are not useful
(v) Increase in the rate of violence, especially in children because of watching violent programs
(vi) High crime rate due to spread in video clips which present all kinds of crimes and exposure to
the methods of committing them etc.
4.0 Conclusion
Philosophical debates have risen over the use of technology, with disagreements over whether
technology improves the human condition or decreases it. Neo-Luddism, anarcho-primitivism, and
similar reactionary movements criticize the pervasiveness of technology, arguing that it harms the
environment and alienates people; proponents of ideologies such as trans-humanism and techno-
progressivism view continued technological progress as beneficial to society and the human
condition. So far so good, in this chapter, we have been able to define the term technology, its
usefulness and the negative impacts it has on the society. It is believed that for a society to
experience growth and development, such a society cannot do without the use of available
technologies at her disposal and there is need for new ones to evolve so as to make lives easier. On
the whole, caution should be taken in handling new technologies available to mankind so as to
forestall the negative influences they could have on the society.
5.0 Summary