Unit 4 Study Notes: Science, Technology, and Society (AP Chinese Language and Culture)

Technology integrated into daily life

The idea that technology (not only advanced inventions but everyday tools and systems) reshapes how people get information, communicate, study/work, consume, travel, entertain themselves, and manage health.

AP Chinese communication modes

The three tested modes—Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational—used to assess language ability, cultural understanding, and viewpoint expression.

Cultural comparison

An AP task that compares how two cultures (e.g., Chinese-speaking societies and the student’s culture) differ in technology use, adoption, and social impact, explaining reasons rather than judging superiority.

Cause-and-effect explanation

Linking a technology feature to behavior change and then to results, showing why impacts happen (not just listing pros and cons).

“Function → behavior → impact → evaluation” chain

A speaking/writing structure: describe what the tech does, how it changes actions, what outcomes it creates, and your judgment or stance.

Instant messaging

Communication tools (e.g., WeChat/WhatsApp) that lower the barrier to frequent contact through text, voice, images, group chats, and video calls.

Information overload

A negative effect of constant messaging and many group chats where too much information floods attention and reduces focus.

Social alienation at close range

A situation where people are physically together but disengaged because each person is absorbed in their own phone.

Online learning (e-learning)

Digitized learning through platforms that enable resource sharing, class interaction, assignment submission, and flexible access (live or recorded).

Remote work

Work completed without being in the same office, relying on digital tools for collaboration, meetings, and file sharing.

Self-discipline (in digital learning)

The ability to set plans, manage time, and resist distractions; often a key factor determining whether online learning is effective.

Information literacy / information screening

The skill of judging the quality and reliability of online information instead of accepting sources uncritically.

Tool neutrality

The idea that technology itself is not inherently good or bad; outcomes depend on how it is used and in what environment.

Mobile payment

A cashless payment method that digitizes money and identity (often via QR codes/accounts), speeding transactions and integrating services like coupons or memberships.

One-click ordering

A design that reduces the psychological cost of spending, which can encourage impulse buying and overconsumption.

Data collection

The gathering of user information (location, purchases, health, learning behavior, social connections) to provide or optimize digital services.

Marginalization of non-digital users

A social risk where elderly people, tourists, or those without smartphones/bank access are excluded if society relies on only one digital system.

Discovery (scientific discovery)

Recognizing something that already exists but was previously unknown (e.g., a phenomenon, law, resource, or biological feature).

Invention

Creating a new tool, device, material, or method that did not exist before, often applying scientific principles.

Innovation

Using new combinations or new applications of existing ideas/technologies to solve problems or create value (distinct from discovery and invention).

Problem-to-solution innovation cycle

A loop where social needs drive research (discoveries), discoveries enable inventions, inventions change life and create new issues, and those issues trigger further research.

Health technology

Technologies such as wearables, telemedicine, or assisted medical imaging that shift healthcare from “treat after illness” to daily monitoring and prevention.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation

Systems that identify, classify, and predict to reduce repetitive labor, boosting efficiency while reshaping job tasks and skill requirements.

Technology ethics

The discussion of responsibility and boundaries—when “can do” does not automatically mean “should do”—including questions of regulation and who decides.

Digital divide

Gaps among groups in access to the internet/devices and digital skills, which can widen inequality in education, information, and job opportunities.