The Impact of Technology on Society, Culture & Employment

This lesson explores how technological developments affect people's lives, cultural practices and the world of work. Understanding these broader impacts is a requirement of AQA GCSE Design and Technology (8552), Section 3.1.1, and is essential for evaluation questions on both exam papers and the NEA.

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Technology and Society

Technology has transformed nearly every aspect of daily life. The AQA specification asks you to consider both positive and negative effects.

Positive Impacts on Society

Area	Impact	Example
Communication	Instant global communication	Smartphones, video calling, social media
Healthcare	Earlier diagnosis, better treatments	MRI scanners, 3D-printed prosthetics, robotic surgery
Education	Access to learning resources anywhere	Online courses, interactive simulations, e-textbooks
Accessibility	Products designed for all abilities	Voice-controlled smart home devices, screen readers
Safety	Improved product safety standards	Crash testing, fire-retardant materials, childproof packaging

Negative Impacts on Society

Area	Impact	Example
Privacy	Personal data collected and shared	Tracking via smartphones, facial recognition
Screen time	Sedentary lifestyles, mental health concerns	Average UK teenager spends 6+ hours daily on screens
Digital divide	Not everyone has equal access to technology	Rural communities with poor broadband, elderly people unfamiliar with digital devices
Waste	Short product lifespans increase waste	50 million tonnes of e-waste generated globally each year
Dependency	Over-reliance on technology	Inability to navigate without GPS, loss of manual skills

AQA Exam Tip: In evaluation questions, examiners want to see that you understand both sides. A one-sided answer about how technology is wonderful (or terrible) will not reach the top mark band. Always present a balanced argument.

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Technology and Culture

Products reflect and shape the culture of the society in which they are designed.

How Culture Influences Design

• Aesthetics: Japanese design often values minimalism and clean lines (e.g. Muji products), while other cultures may favour ornate decoration.
• Materials: Different regions have traditional materials — bamboo in Southeast Asia, oak in Britain, adobe in the American Southwest.
• Values: Cultures that prioritise sustainability may prefer products made from recycled or biodegradable materials.
• Religious and social norms: Modesty requirements influence fashion and textile design in many cultures.

How Technology Changes Culture