Policymakers are tasked with making decisions on issues characterized as wicked problems because of controversies, unknown relationships between causes and consequences, and uncertain futures. From this perspective, Moody and Gerrits (2015) think that it’s desirable to get decisions mapped ahead of the possible outcomes prior to the actual decision-making because that would generate certainty in ambiguous situations. Looking closely at the Technological perceptions, technology is thought to revolve around humans. It reflects on questions of who drives technology. Q1: Please identify and name up to five (5) of those questions discussed in this debate and provide a brief narrative to explain your thoughts? identify and name up to five (5) of these questions discussed in the debate provide a short and clear narrative for each question identified to support your responses, DON’T COPY and PASTE responses into the DF from textbooks and any other digital Internet sources,

Business · College · Thu Feb 04 2021

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1. Who controls the direction of technological development? This question revolves around determining who (or what) has the deciding influence on the trajectory of technological progress. Is it the policymakers, private companies, societal needs, or the technology itself through a sort of determinism? Understanding the locus of control can help assess how to steer the evolution of technology to benefit society.

2. How does technology impact societal values and norms? Technology does not exist in a vacuum; it significantly influences cultural and social structures. This question invites us to examine how emerging technologies might affect our values and ethics—whether they are likely to shift societal norms or reinforce them, and how this interplay also guides the technology's course.

3. What are the long-term consequences of adopting new technologies? The long-range implications of technology adoption are often difficult to predict. This question underscores the importance of considering future generations when making decisions about technological advancements, aiming to avoid unexpected negative outcomes such as environmental damage or widened social inequalities.

4. How can equitable access to technology be ensured? As technology becomes increasingly integral to all aspects of life, ensuring that all segments of society have access is vital. This question involves addressing the digital divide and contemplating policies that foster inclusivity and prevent a technological underclass.

5. In what ways should technology be regulated to protect individual rights? The expansion of technology raises concerns about privacy, security, and freedom. This question prompts a conversation about the balance between innovation and the protection of individual rights, pondering how to legislate and regulate technology to safeguard against abuse while not stifling progress.

Extra: When discussing the role of technology in society and who drives it, various theories and perspectives come into play. Technological determinism, for example, posits that technology itself drives the changes in society, shaping human behavior and societal structures. On the other hand, social constructivism argues that society shapes technology, meaning that human action and cultural norms are what guide technological development.

Understanding the interplay between humans and technology is crucial in education, where students are not only users but future developers and policymakers. They need to recognize technology’s potential impacts on society, including ethical considerations and the importance of sustainability. Debating these questions in classrooms helps to build critical thinking and decision-making skills, ensuring that students can thoughtfully engage with technology both as consumers and creators. Discussing these questions can also help students to become informed citizens who understand the significance of technology policy and its implications for the future.

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