Life in United States will change dramatically in the next ten years due to the emerging breakthrough in science and technology. Science and technology will influence much of the social aspects in the next decade such as communication and health (Clark, 2010). The change will also reflect in the demographics where the population will grow due reduced infant mortality rates and increased number of immigrants. The two demographic parameters will be influenced by improved health care and influx of immigrants in pursuit of opportunities. The number of aged individuals will rise and the population will be more diverse. An increased generational gap will be observed due to improved health and social security policy framework (Kornblum & Smith, 2011).
The internet will be an instrumental force in advancing the social change anticipated in the next decade. The internet will revolutionize socialization and information dissemination in all sectors (Cavanagh, 2007). The health sector particularly will be boosted by increased sensitization and knowledge enhancement of the masses on diseases and health related matters. Internet will also continue to be key in the public services efficiency such as immigration, social security, education etc. The internet will virtually be present in social systems that are defined by diverse American cultures and behavior patterns. It will continue to shift United States from an industrial to information or informational society.
The sociologists will use the internet for three core reasons. The first reason is as a tool of research where it will be the perfect medium for sociologists to acquire data and feedback from various respondents. It will enhance the scope of data and feedback collection due to the global connectivity it affords the sociologists (Surratt, 2001). The internet will also provide a discussion platform for sociologists at a global level. The sociologists will able to interact with various individuals that may be primary to their studies. The last reason for use of internet will be as a research topic. Internet being a phenomenon that has revolutionized the lives of the masses will offer a good premise for study in areas such as analysis of online communities, effects of social media, internet, and organizational change and many others.
References
Cavanagh, A. (2007). Sociology in the age of the internet. Milton Keynes: Open University Press.
Clark, C. (2010). Social change in America. Chicago: Ivan R. Dee.
Kornblum, W., & Smith, C. D. (2011). Sociology in a changing world. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
Surratt, C. G. (2001). The Internet and social change. Jefferson, N.C: McFarland.
