Technology can effectively tackle social problems by improving access to services, fostering communication, and promoting innovation. However, it also poses challenges such as exacerbating inequality, privacy issues, and technological dependency
I. Introduction
- Hook: Technology can effectively tackle social problems with speed and ease like never before.
- Background: Overview of technology’s role in addressing social problems.
- Thesis Statement: Technology offers effective solutions for social problems.
II. Supporting View 1: Improved Access to Services
- Topic Sentence: Technology can effectively tackle social problems by improving access to essential services.
- Example 1: India’s Aadhaar system (2010-present) provided millions with a digital identity, facilitating access to government services. Helped marginalised communities access subsidies and benefits (source: BBC, 2017).
- Example 2: Kenya’s M-Pesa mobile banking (2007-present) enabled financial inclusion for millions without bank accounts. Revolutionised financial transactions and reduced poverty (source: The Guardian, 2015).
- Example 3: Brazil’s Telehealth programme (2012-present) increased healthcare access in remote areas. Reduced healthcare disparities through telemedicine (source: Reuters, 2018).
- Analysis: These examples show how technology enhances access to essential services, benefiting disadvantaged populations.
III. Supporting View 2: Fostering Communication and Awareness
- Topic Sentence: Technology can effectively tackle social problems by fostering communication and raising awareness of social issues.
- Example 1: #MeToo movement in India (2017-present) leveraged social media to highlight sexual harassment. Empowered survivors and initiated widespread social discourse (source: The New York Times, 2018).
- Example 2: Hong Kong protests (2019-2020) used social media to organise and spread awareness. Enabled real-time coordination and global visibility (source: BBC, 2019).
- Example 3: Chile’s feminist protests (2018-present) used digital platforms to mobilise and advocate for gender equality. Raised international awareness and sparked policy changes (source: Al Jazeera, 2019).
- Analysis: These instances illustrate how technology can amplify voices and drive social change.
IV. Supporting View 3: Promoting Innovation and Efficiency
- Topic Sentence: Technology drives innovation and efficiency in addressing social issues.
- Example 1: Sweden’s smart cities (2015-present) use technology to enhance urban living and sustainability. Improved energy efficiency and quality of life (source: World Economic Forum, 2018).
- Example 2: South Korea’s digital classrooms (2010-present) bridged educational gaps with e-learning. Equalised access to quality education (source: The Korea Times, 2017).
- Example 3: Norway’s electric vehicle incentives (2010-present) reduced pollution and promoted sustainable transport. Became a global leader in EV adoption (source: The Guardian, 2019).
- Analysis: These examples demonstrate technology’s role in creating innovative solutions for social problems.
V. Opposing View 1: Exacerbating Inequality
- Topic Sentence: Technology can widen the gap between rich and poor.
- Example 1: India’s digital divide (2015-present) left rural areas lagging in internet access. Exacerbated educational and economic disparities (source: The Hindu, 2020).
- Example 2: South Africa’s unequal access to technology (2010-present) reinforced social inequalities. Marginalised communities missed out on technological benefits (source: Mail & Guardian, 2019).
- Example 3: Brazil’s urban-rural technology gap (2010-present) highlighted systemic inequalities. Limited technological advancements to urban areas (source: Folha de S.Paulo, 2018).
- Analysis: These cases show how unequal access to technology can deepen existing social disparities.
VI. Opposing View 2: Privacy and Security Concerns
- Topic Sentence: Technology raises significant privacy and security concerns.
- Example 1: China’s social credit system (2014-present) sparked global privacy debates. Extensive surveillance and data collection raised ethical issues (source: The Guardian, 2018).
- Example 2: Europe’s GDPR violations (2018-present) highlighted the complexity of data privacy. Companies struggled to comply, risking user data (source: Financial Times, 2019).
- Example 3: India’s Aadhaar data breaches (2010-present) exposed millions to privacy risks. Compromised personal information and security (source: The New York Times, 2018).
- Analysis: These examples illustrate the significant privacy risks associated with technological advancements.
VII. Opposing View 3: Technological Dependency and Disruption
- Topic Sentence: Over-reliance on technology can lead to dependency and disruption.
- Example 1: Japan’s 2011 earthquake revealed vulnerabilities in technology-dependent societies. Disrupted essential services, highlighting risks (source: BBC, 2011).
- Example 2: South Korea’s cybersecurity threats (2010-present) demonstrated risks of digital dependency. Increased vulnerability to cyber-attacks (source: The Korea Herald, 2020).
- Example 3: Brazil’s digital economy (2015-present) faced challenges during internet outages. Economic activities halted, showing over-reliance on technology (source: Reuters, 2019).
- Analysis: These instances show how technological dependency can lead to significant disruptions.
VIII. Conclusion
- Restate Thesis: Technology offers effective solutions for social problems but also presents significant challenges.
- Summary of Key Points: Improved access, communication, innovation versus inequality, privacy, and dependency.
- Final Thought: Balancing technological advancements with ethical considerations is crucial for addressing social problems effectively.
Nota Benne:
Can laws be implemented to solve social problems? What about the role of education?
