By: Cliff Potts, WPS News, Editor-in-Chief
Baybay City | February 25, 2025
Source: WPS News
In recent years, technological change has emerged as a driving force behind societal development across various sectors, including health, agriculture, and communication. As innovations like artificial intelligence and the internet continue to evolve, experts express both optimism and concern about their long-term effects on the human experience.
The historical trajectory of modern computing can be traced back to significant milestones, including John von Neumann’s foundational work on the stored program concept in 1945 and the introduction of the first general-purpose computer, ENIAC, later that same year. Over the decades, innovations such as the transistor, microchip, and the World Wide Web have transformed how people engage with information, leading to dramatic improvements in productivity and quality of life.
However, the rise of technology has not come without its challenges. Since the early 2010s, mental health issues among adolescents have surged globally, paralleling the ubiquity of smartphones and social media. Studies indicate a staggering increase in rates of anxiety and depression among Generation Z, raising concerns among psychologists and educators about the effects of digitized environments on youth development.
Experts argue that while technology enhances access to information and simplifies communication, it also promotes conditions conducive to misinformation and anxiety. More than 50% of a surveyed panel of technologists and scholars in 2017 expressed skepticism that the information environment would improve due to the overwhelming presence of fabricated narratives and manipulation tactics utilized across digital platforms.
As society navigates this complex landscape, it becomes imperative to implement effective governance and education around technology use. Many commentators stress the need for improved information literacy, particularly among younger users, to help them discern credible sources from unreliable ones. Initiatives aimed at making emerging technologies more affordable and equitable are also seen as essential in addressing disparities in access.
The dual nature of technological advancements underscores the importance of balancing innovation with responsible management. With ongoing developments in AI and big data, the future remains uncertain—yet hopeful, as the collective effort of individuals, governments, and corporations could pave the way for a healthier, more informed society. As we adapt to these changes, fostering an environment that prioritizes ethical considerations will be crucial for the very fabric of our communities.
Sources
| Date | Author(s) | Publisher | Article Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1945 | John von Neumann | N/A | First Draft of a Report on the EDVAC |
| 1945 | Vannevar Bush | N/A | As We May Think |
| 1945 | Presper Eckert & John Mauchly | Eckert-Mauchly Computer Corporation | ENIAC: The First Electronic General Purpose Computer |
| 1965 | Norman Joseph Woodland | N/A | Concept of the Bar Code |
| 1976 | Gil Press | Forbes | Modern Computing: A Short History, 1945-2022 |
| 2017 | Janna Anderson & Lee Rainie | Pew Research Center | The Future of Truth and Misinformation Online |
| 2022 | Max Roser, Hannah Ritchie, Edouard Mathieu | Our World in Data | Technological Change |
| 2024 | Jonathan Haidt | The Atlantic | End the Phone-Based Childhood Now |
| 2024 | Alex McIntyre, Maisie Olah | BBC News | Village ‘back in the 1970s’ as internet goes down |
This table summarizes the key articles and their context within the timeline of technological and societal change.
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