Chapter 11 Chapter 11.1 Technology affects families in many areas. There are benefits and drawbacks to technology that families can recognize and manage. Technology is the use of science to do practical things. Technology is a resource that families have. How families manage technology has a huge impact on family function. A person who studies and predicts what may happen in the years ahead is called a futurist. There are several areas where technology impacts the family. Family entertainment Family Health & Safety Family Finances Housing Communication Family entertainment New forms of entertainment VHSDVD DVR streaming on demand what’s next? Cable, satellite Video and computer games Smart phones what’s next? Addictive nature of these things Challenges of entertainment Do TV's, computers, and video games divide families when members are involved for hours at a time? Does outside entertainment pull family members from home more than is reasonable? Do people neglect quiet pleasures of nature or reading in search of more thrills? Does electronic entertainment take the place of face-to-face involvement like games or conversation? How families decide to manage leisure time is important! (encourage, deny, limit) Family Health & Safety How we prepare and eat food Microwave meals Family meals Nutrition Fast food Synthetic ingredients Exercise Inactive lifestyles mean we must look for exercise and pursue activity Security and Protection Seatbelts, airbags, other developments Family Finances Online banking Software accounting for homes Instant access to credit can cause problems Pressures to buy new technology Early adapters vs. laggards Housing Energy reduction Programmable timers Recycled products Security devices Household management Smart homes – devices connected by computer Sensors, etc. Family Communication Letter writing Phones, emails, IM, texting, etc. You can be in “constant contact” Many positives to this But also problems! Family Communication Challenges Texting may replace face-to-face or voice contact Cell phone courtesy Personal business may be overheard Causes a driving hazard Internet dangers Communication technology is like any other resource. How you use it will affect whether or not it improves the quality of your life. The choices you make about technology will determine how it affects your life. Technology affects all parts of family life. Families need to manage technology so that they can reach their goals. Values are important when making decision about technology. Technology has changed entertainment choices. Some of these choices weaken and other strengthen the family. Technology has also changed the way people cook, eat, and exercise. It has brought about way of promoting security and protection. It has brought about way of promoting security and protection. The way a family handles their money can be both helped and hurt by technological advances in financing. Housing reflects changes in technology. Family relationships can be strengthened by wise use of communication technology. Chapter 11.2 Most jobs today require technology skills. Communities and society are concerned about technology issues. Technology has changed the workplace in many ways. examples… Technology allows workers to telecommute or do their work at home. Technology also helps entrepreneurs start and run businesses. Technology impacts communities examples… Use of technology raises questions: what are the costs? what are the benefits? which innovations will aid society? Information Society – the main economic activity is creating and distributing knowledge Computers make knowledge accessible You need to know how to find and judge the information Fact vs. opinion (.edu or .gov) E-mail management: viruses attached to e-mails Spam don’t open e-mails unless you know the sender Never reply to spam or click on links in a spam e-mail. Identity Theft identity theft is using a person’s personal information to steal money or credit Don’t put personal information on the internet Assume anything posted on the internet is public information (if you don’t want mom or grandma to know…) Ordering on phone, place the call yourself Do internet business only with reputable companies with secure web sites Tear up or shred personal papers Steps to protect your identity 1. 2. 3. 4. Secure your mail. Drop bills in public mailbox Hold mail if you won’t be home Keep personal information private Choose creative passwords – don’t choose the obvious ones Secure wireless computer connections Intrusiveness technology can be intrusive when it enters your life without your invitation. Use the “Do Not Call” lists Use the spam filters in your system Use anti-virus software “phishing” handout Cost of Technology Technology used by public entities costs money Debate needs vs. wants Health Care Costs Medical technology saves lives but it is very costly Take care of your health Advance directives are very important Technology at Work (pg 217) Follow your company’s policy on the personal use of technology. Ask questions when you do not know how to use equipment or software. Update your technology skills when you have the chance. Find someone to help you if you have technology problems. Technology is here to stay! You need to be in control of the technology in your life – don’t let it control you! Have a sense of humor (things fail) Make time for things w/o technology Use only what is important to you Stay informed about what is new The workplace has changed due to technology. Most jobs use computers. Workers must have technology skills and keep them up to date. Computers allow workers to telecommute and entrepreneurs to start new businesses. Communities use technology to provide services to citizens. Controlling the privacy of information and the cost of technology are two issues society faces. Personal information is widely available. This can lead to identity theft. Technology can also be intrusive. There are difficult decision regarding health care and costs facing society. Individuals and communities need to make careful choices as they deal with more technology changes in the future. E-mail management: viruses attached to e-mails Spam don’t open e-mails unless you know the sender Never reply to spam or click on links in a spam e-mail.
