HSC CAFS – Social Impact of Technology

R – Response to Social Problems

Technology develops to address societal issues.

Telehealth for remote patients, online education.

Improves health and education but may reduce human interaction.

E – Economic Benefit

Technology increases efficiency and profits.

Online banking, e-commerce platforms.

Supports economic wellbeing but can create job insecurity.

S – Social Betterment

Enhances quality of life.

Smart home systems, mental health apps.

Enhances physical and emotional wellbeing.

T – Transport & Travel

Innovations in mobility and logistics.

Electric vehicles, high-speed trains.

Improves physical and economic wellbeing, but can contribute to pollution.

I – Improve Upon Existing Technology

Constant upgrading of devices and services.

Smartphones with better cameras and AI features.

Enhances social and economic wellbeing but increases e-waste.

C – Consumer Demand

Meets changing expectations of consumers.

Faster internet speeds, AI assistants.

Improves convenience but may increase dependency.

E – Education

Higher education allows for better access.

Educated individuals accept new tech faster.

Social & Economic – Digital divide affects opportunities.

G – Geographic Location

Rural areas have less access to fast internet.

Urban areas adopt new technology quicker.

Economic – Limited career opportunities in remote areas.

G – Gender

Women may access tech for household tasks; men for work or gaming.

Gender roles influence acceptance.

Social & Emotional – Stereotypes can limit engagement.

R – Religion

Some religions restrict tech use (e.g., Amish communities).

Faith-based apps increase acceptance.

Spiritual – Digital tools can support or challenge religious practices.

A – Age

Younger generations access and use technology more easily.

Older individuals may resist complex technologies.

Social & Emotional – Digital exclusion may isolate older individuals.

C – Culture

Some cultures embrace tech, others resist it.

Culture influences whether people see tech as beneficial.

Cultural – Tech can help preserve or dilute traditions.

E – Economic Status

Wealthier individuals have more access.

Lower-income groups may not accept due to affordability.

Economic – Cost barriers limit technological benefits.

D – Disability

Assistive technology improves access.

Acceptance depends on how useful the tech is.

Physical & Social – Improves independence but can be costly.

H – Household Efficiency

Reduces time spent on chores.

Dishwashers, robotic vacuums.

Physical – Less manual labor.

I – Independence

Allows elderly and disabled individuals to live independently.

Smart home automation, fall-detection devices.

Emotional & Physical – Greater security but may increase isolation.

E – Environmental Impact

Smart appliances can be energy-efficient but also increase e-waste.

Energy-saving washing machines.

Economic & Environmental – Saves energy costs but contributes to e-waste.

F – Food & Nutrition

Easier access but risk of unhealthy choices.

Food delivery apps.

Physical & Economic – Convenience but can lead to poor diet.

E – Education

Expands learning opportunities.

Online schools.

Social – Greater access but increases screen time.

L – Law Enforcement & Security

Enhances safety.

CCTV, cyber monitoring.

Emotional – Reduces crime but raises privacy concerns.

T – Transport & Mobility

Improves accessibility.

Ridesharing, smart traffic lights.

Physical & Economic – Reduces commute time but can be costly.

H – Health & Wellbeing

Improves medical care.

Telehealth, fitness apps.

Physical & Emotional – Increases access but may reduce in-person care.

S - Structure of the Workplace

Health & Safety

Structure of the workplace (HEEFE)

- Automation reduces physical strain and injury risks. - AI predicts hazards, improving workplace safety. - VR training enhances safety awareness.

- Remote work reduces commuting risks but can lead to work creep. - Overuse of screens can cause physical health issues (e.g., eye strain, poor posture).

- New careers emerge in workplace health and safety technology (e.g., cybersecurity for remote workers).

Equipment

Structure of the workplace (HEEFE)

- Ergonomic designs and smart wearables prevent injuries. - Sensors detect hazardous conditions in workplaces.

- Mobile technology enables remote work but can lead to burnout.

- Advanced tools create demand for tech-savvy workers, requiring ongoing education.

Efficiency

Structure of the workplace (HEEFE)

- AI and data analytics predict safety risks before accidents occur.

- Automation reduces workload but may cause job insecurity and stress.

- Some jobs become obsolete due to automation, pushing workers to upskill or retrain.

Flexibility

Structure of the workplace (HEEFE)

- Remote monitoring systems improve emergency responses.

- Cloud computing and remote access improve flexibility but blur work/life boundaries.

- The gig economy and remote work expand career options globally.

Education & Training

Structure of the workplace (HEEFE)

- VR and AI-powered simulations enhance safety training.

- Online learning provides upskilling but requires self-motivation.

- AI-driven learning platforms help workers stay competitive in evolving industries.

I - Introduction of Technology into the Workplace

- Advanced robotics reduce manual labor injuries. - Workplace sensors monitor air quality and other hazards.

- Work-from-home setups improve flexibility but can cause social isolation.

- Technology shifts demand towards highly skilled jobs, requiring continuous learning.

I - Information and Communication

- Faster communication improves emergency response. - AI chatbots assist in workplace safety training.

- Digital communication tools enhance teamwork but may cause information overload.

- Networking and job-seeking are enhanced by online platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, virtual job fairs).

S- Safety Technology

- AI-powered surveillance improves security. - Drones assist in hazardous environment inspections.

- Work-life balance can suffer if employees feel constantly monitored.

- Increased demand for careers in cybersecurity and workplace automation.