Introduction to Sociology
Introduction to Sociology
One strongly believe that life in the United States would change significantly based on global macro-environmental factors that affect people’s lives. For instance, Worzel (2010) in his article entitled “10 Things You Need to Know About the Next 10 Years” revealed that lives would be affected by changes which include the following: (1) use of everyday robots; (2) technological advances that pave the way for increased productivity; (3) perceived trends manifesting ascent of women in various fields of endeavor; (4) a revolution in health care access and deliver of care; (5) transhumanism, defined as “the school of thought that science and technology are going to allow us to first cope with disabilities, and then to augment and exceed our natural abilities” (Worzel, 2010, par. 14); (6) economic uncertainties; (7) increasing social and political turmoil; (8) significant impact of climate change; (9) energy revolution; and (10) searching of the meaning of life . As such, as there are perceived leaps in terms of greater technological growth and advancement, there seemed to be projected challenges in terms of addressing economic, social and political conditions that are perceived to impose greater stress and increased dilemma for human survival.
How might the Internet be involved in the changes?
The Internet would definitely continue to influence and impact changes in the next 10 years. To corroborate the information gathered, it was noted by John Sculley, former CEO of Apple, that the focus and thrust of the Internet’s impact could be measured in terms of mobile productivity; which, according to him, could significantly change the way people work. He also foresees connections between machine to machine, without human interference. As such, it was emphasized that “it's going to entirely change the way people work. It's going to entirely change the shape of corporations. It will change whether people actually even have to go to an office any more” .
How do you think sociologists might use the Internet to study life in the United States? Name 3 specific ways.
The Internet is a vital medium which could be used by sociologists to study life in the United States through: (1) observation and content analysis; (2) through access to different patterns and mode of communication; and (3) through real-time interaction made possible through various social networking sites .
References
Sculley, J. (2011). What will the Internet be like in 5 or 10 years? Retrieved from curiosity.discovery.com: http://curiosity.discovery.com/question/future-of-internet
Using Applied Sociology to Navigate Internet Communities. (2013). Retrieved from AppliedSoc.org: http://www.appliedsoc.org/internet/
Worzel, R. (2010, July 27). 10 Things You Need to Know About the Next 10 Years. Retrieved from futuresearch.com: http://www.futuresearch.com/futureblog/2010/07/27/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-next-10-years/
