Technology Diffusion and Digital Phenomena

• The lesson will define technology, will discuss theories of technology diffusion, will describe the digital phenomena, and determine the advantages and disadvantages of technological globalization

Key Terms

• Technology is a technique, process, or material good emerging from the use of science in addressing human problems
• Technology diffusion is the flow of technologies across borders

The Indispensable Role of Technology

• Technology is the application of science, and addresses pressing issues and problems
• Technology is essentially a technique or a way of doing things

The Industrial Revolution (IR)

• Technological advancement has been a long, winding, and turbulent process, referred to as the Industrial Revolution (IR)
• The IR is when humanity found a way to maximize available resources to advance aspirations

Fourth Industrial Revolution

• Klaus Schwab coined the term "Fourth Industrial Revolution" for the era where people navigate between their online and offline selves
• The era includes emergence of creator-entrepreneurs where technology allows users to create more and to produce ideas
• Artificial intelligence (AI) and fusion (integration of disciplines) exist
• There is robotics geared toward making lives more efficient and the Internet featuring remote and real-time interconnectedness
• Challenges to anticipate include changes in the job market for people and preference for machines to perform tasks
• The nature of threats and vulnerability of cyber security issues is changing as people become more reliant on digital technologies
• The method people do things in is changing as well as there being impacts to basic services and sectors like education, health and the environment

Technological Diffusion and Globalization

• Technology also flows in and out across borders, referred to as technology diffusion
• Technology diffusion is simultaneous to economic, political, and cultural flows
• Technologies are goods bought and sold in the market like cars produced in China, USA, Japan, and India. Minor metals are imported to China in large quantities to produce steel
• Some technologies in the market have political undertones
• From 2014 to 2018, the US, Russia, France, Germany, and China were the top five arms exporters, while Saudi Arabia was among the top importers
• Most recognize the cultural value of technology, especially digital technologies like smartphones, laptops, and other computing devices

Responses to New Technologies

• The diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory states some people will try new crudely developed technologies like first generation technologies (innovators)
• Early adopters will adopt earlier than the average user if they have systematic support
• Laggards are skeptical and prefer tried and tested methods and tools

Internet of Things (IOT)

• The Internet of Things makes human-computer interaction speedier and more reliable
• It makes it possible to manage services like transportation, healthcare, and security
• Home security cameras linked via the Internet exist
• Doctors from another country can provide professional advice or medical procedures via telemedicine
• Interviews, meetings, and educational activities can be done via Skype, Zoom, and teleconferencing
• Capable of synchronous (real-time) communication exists
• Engage in asynchronous communication by leaving messages through emails and messengers, answered later

Transportation Technologies

• Transportation technologies have become more prevalent, with more people able to avail their own private vehicles
• Some countries can establish reliable and efficient public transportation systems

Aviation Technology

• Aviation technology enables more people to travel long distances at a cheaper rate
• Four major developments include digital twin, artificial intelligence (AI) for predictive maintenance, mobile computing, and use of drones in aircraft maintenance procedures

Green Architecture

• A movement toward green architecture addresses ecological breakdown
• Alongside the movement toward environment-friendly infrastructures is the preference for green energy or renewable sources like wind, hydropower, geothermal heat, etc
• New currencies emerge for pressing environmental issues, such as carbon credits for carbon emissions, used in the carbon trade

E-Commerce

• New business models emerged in these recent years by bringing their businesses into the electronic world, giving birth to e-commerce
• Online platforms like Lazada, Amazon, and Shopee are available for users to buy and sell products

Social Media Marketing

• Businesses and physical stores extend their reach by putting up online platforms
• Social network media like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are used as marketing and advertising tools. Banks put up electronic platforms for clients to hold transactions without needing to be physically present
• Travel and transportation services use platforms for clients to book tickets, manage bookings, and cancel and perform related transactions
• Business processes can be done overseas through business process outsourcing (BPOs), facilitated by reliable Internet connectivity and dependence communication technologies

Space Science

• Nation-states invest in research and development in space technologies
• Plans include:
  • Trying to understand the possibility of life on Mars
  • Getting closer to the Sun
  • Exploring Jupiter's moon
  • Sending humans deeper into space
  • Testing and developing more advanced space navigation instruments
• The Philippines is aligning with space exploration by launching Diwata-1 in 2016 and Diwata-2 in 2018
• Diwata-1 and Diwata-2 are two micro-satellites supporting earth observation missions that will be useful in climate studies and disaster risk management, serving as a foundation for the Philippines' vision to create its own space agency

AI, Robots, and Nanotechnology

• Technology can afford to simulate some human capacities through the use of computer and machines using artificial intelligence
• The existence of Sophia-bot, an almost humanoid robot, triggered discussion about the direction of humanity in the era of AI What used to be found only in imagination is now becoming more real
• It is now possible to manipulate particles at atomic-molecular levels using nanotechnology
• It is possible to create very minute particles that may influence and alter substances found in living cells (e.g., use of nanoparticles in delivering drugs)