SCIENCE BRIEFS The Social Impact of Internet Use
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Social responsibility of scientistsThere has been much debate for a number of years about how far scientists should be responsible to society for the results of their work. This question applies particularly to university scientists as they are the ones who are free to choose their field of research. The greater number of scientists today work for government sponsored bodies, or in industry; in their case, the responsibility lies mainly with the authorities that employ them; the are mot entirely free agents, short of resigning from their post.In 1979 legal charges were brought against the University of California claiming that agricultural research which it promoted had led to increased automation and consequently farm workers losing their jobs. The University’s defence was that the results of research have been of benefit to the community as a whole through increased productivity and lower food prices, and that in any case the social consequences of its research were the responsibility of the whole community rather than of the University.In 1970 the British Society for Social Responsibility in Science held an international conference in London, on “The Social Impact of Modern Biology”. Twenty famous scientists, including three Nobel prize-winners and six fellows of the Royal Society, presented papers which were subsequently published along with the discussions in a book. It was generallyaccepted that within the next few decades developments in the biological science will radically change civilization as we know it today. Discoveries used wisely can be of immense benefit to mankind, but many can also be used in ways that either intentionally or unintentionally have disastrous effects on man and on the other inhabitants of this planet. Most scientists feel involved and have well-developed consciences in these matters, but the problems are extremely complex. In the first place scientists—especially those doing pure research – often do not know what sort of discovery they are likely to make, or, having made it,they cannot foresee the eventual impact on society. Very occasionally a scientists may find himself in a cruel dilemma. The conference indicated that most scientists do have a feeling of responsibility toward society, but how far they ate able to influence the application of their work is another matter. What they can do is to keep the public informed and especially to advise politicians and other influential persons. When a new technical development becomes available it should be examined by a commission on which all sections of the community are represented, including of course scientists competent in the particular field. The universities have a role to play here in that they can provide unbiased experts. The scientists should make the technological assessment of foreseeable benefits and harmful effects, and these should be clearly stated for all to see, but the decisions and responsibilities should be shared by all sectionsof the community. One of the problems is to arrive at a general agreement abut social values and goals. Public debate through the media is essential in helping to shape values and make choices, but everydayexperience of politics in democratic countries shows how difficult this often is.One of the clearest statements I have read about the social responsibilities of scientists is an article by Nobel prize-winner Ser Ernst Chain. First he makes the point, with which I agree, that the general run of scientists outside their own specialty ate no wiser than non-scientists, nor ate they free from prejudice and emotional attitudes. Indeed even within their own field they are sometimes intolerant of the views of colleagues with whom they disagree. Their advice should be sought and respected on technical. Factual matters within their competence, but outside that most scientists should be regarded in the same light as other citizens of comparable standing. Chain concludes that scientists cannot be held responsible for the unpleasant effects of their inventions: responsibility lies with the society that adopts the technological application. It is up to society to take—and pay for—measures against the unwanted side-effects such as pollution or invasion of privacy. Like others, Chain says that one thing scientists can and should do is to counteract the news media to exaggerate and sensationalize new developments.A point on which all scientists agree as an ideal when discussing these matters is that a scientist should be responsible for presenting a true picture to the implications so far as he can see them. But of course scientists working in the defence services ate rarely free to do this, nor are most of those in industry. A final word: whatever critics may say or wish, today science is an extremely important part of our culture, and modern civilization is in fact based on technology; there is no going back, and science an technology will influence or lives and the world we live in to an increasing extent, therefore man will have to adjust to this situation as he has to other changes. Scientists must take a positive part, individually and collectively, in helping people understand the spirit of the brave new world.。
英语四六级作文素材Title: The Impact of Social Media on Interpersonal Relationships。
In today's digital age, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. It has transformed the way we communicate, connect, and interact with others. However, the widespread use of social media has also brought about significant changes in interpersonal relationships, both positive and negative.On the positive side, social media has made it easier for people to stay in touch with friends and family, regardless of geographical barriers. Through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, individuals can share updates, photos, and videos with their loved ones, keeping them informed about their lives and activities. This has undoubtedly strengthened many long-distance relationships and helped people feel more connected despite being physically apart.Moreover, social media has provided a platform for individuals to meet new people and expand their social circles. Dating apps and online communities have enabled individuals to connect with like-minded individuals and form new friendships and romantic relationships. This has been especially beneficial for those who may struggle to meet new people in their everyday lives, such as introverts or individuals living in remote areas.However, the impact of social media on interpersonal relationships is not entirely positive. One of the most significant drawbacks is the potential for social media to replace face-to-face interactions. With the convenience of instant messaging and video calls, some individuals mayfind themselves relying on these digital forms of communication, neglecting the importance of in-person conversations and quality time spent together. This can lead to a lack of intimacy and depth in relationships, as well as a decrease in social skills and the ability to read non-verbal cues.Furthermore, social media has also given rise to issues such as cyberbullying, jealousy, and unrealistic comparisons. The curated and often idealized versions of people's lives that are presented on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy and insecurity in others. Additionally, the constant exposure to carefully crafted images and lifestyles can create unrealistic expectations and standards for relationships, leading to dissatisfaction and disappointment in real-life interactions.In conclusion, social media has undoubtedly had a profound impact on interpersonal relationships. While it has facilitated connections and provided opportunities to meet new people, it has also posed challenges to thequality and authenticity of these relationships. It is essential for individuals to strike a balance between their online and offline interactions, and to be mindful of the potential pitfalls of social media on their interpersonal relationships. Only by doing so can we harness the benefits of social media while preserving the depth and authenticity of our connections with others.。
高译教育—NAATI考试英文题库(十)The social impact of technologyThere is no doubt that technological change brings about social change. The Industrial revolution saw many people displaced from their land, to find work in crowded city factories. Serfdom was abolished and the population shifted from villages to the cities. Strong family ties, self sufficiency and the right to occupy land were replaced with uncertain tenancy of land, dependency on trade and a weakening of the family unit. Economically, goods and money abounded, and trade flourished. The merchant class profited from the wealth that was generated on the backs of the displaced population of urban workers. Children were sent to work in factories, in order for families to make enough money to live. The peasant class worked long hard hours in poor conditions with no security. The Industrial revolution led to the alienation of the working class and although many union battles have since led to the adoption of better working conditions, the effects of the Industrial revolution remain. The family unit is even more vulnerable today with soaring divorce rates, high rates of teenage suicide, most of society are either heavily mortgaged to banks or paying high rents, and no one can be self-sufficient in a world governed by free trade.Advances in technology, is generally not equitably shared within society.People with money have more opportunity to acquire technology, which enables them to acquire even more wealth. Technology leads to greater social economic division. Laborers are viewed as commodities and expendable. Technology leads to alienation because it can create jobs that require no specialist knowledge.To date, since the industrial revolution we have seen technology used to the detriment of society. The right to occupy land has become a privilege that must be worked for and earned and now the battle is on to control all the world's food and textiles through genetically modified seeds and animals. The insidious part of GM is that there is no recall once it is released into the environment. Salmon that will grow ten times faster than normal salmon will destroy river systems, as their unfair genetically modified advantage will see all smaller life forms extinguished, and genetically modified crops that are dependent on pesticides will contaminate organic, heritage seeds that have sustained people for thousands of years. Seeds will no longer be able to be harvested and replanted but the farmer will have to buy new seed every year from GM seed makers. This fight is more important than the fight over open source because it involves the right of people everywhere to have clean, safe food that has not been genetically altered. Essentially GM is a tax on everyone because a patent will be on every seed and seeds are made to besterile the following year. This is something to become angry about. The greedy corporations and individuals that want control over our food, water and land, do not care about the irreversible damage to the environment, people and animals that they cause.We have the right to eat tomatoes that are free of fish DNA, meat and milk that is free of human DNA, pigs that haven't been grown to harvest anthrax antibodies. They will never be able to prove the safety of GM food and no long term studies have been done. Nor will GM solve the problem of soil erosion, and pollution of rivers from artificial fertilizers and pesticides. Only a return to responsible organic and biodynamic farming practices will solve these problems. Courts are not keen to pursue pesticide makers for poisoning farmers, or GM seed makers for monopolizing the world's seeds through patents, through genetic engineering that not only renders the seed worthless for replanting the next year but also contaminates non-GM crops by cross pollination. Already the majority of the world's seed stock is controlled by a handful of corporations.Resisting the tide of technological change is impossible. Of course it is possible to do business without a website or email or mobile phone or a fax machine. People have been doing business well before any of these gadgets were invented. But business today is about competition, andtechnology is about leverage. Technology can lead to alienation if it is not widely dispersed in society. The Industrial age saw the concentration of technology in the hands of the rich and powerful, allowing them to dominate and subdue the population into harsh working conditions and the social impact of the Internet and computers is only just beginning, will it challenge the status quo or will it lead to greater population control?Large enterprises embrace accredited trainingA national study into accredited industry training programs found that large organizations make solid returns from accessing these training resources.The study, financed through the Commonwealth-funded National V ocational Education and Training Research and Evaluation program and commissioned by the National Center for V ocational Education Research (NCVER) was led by Associate Professor Erica Smith from Charles Sturt University (CSU).The research found that access to these programs can significantly improve an organization's training systems and skills profile, prompting a call for increased marketing of these formally accredited training programs to all enterprises, especially small and medium sized business. The project found that enterprises which used nationally recognizedtraining—formally accredited training programs and courses—tended to be large organizations with substantial numbers of staff in particular occupations. Further, their industrial relations tended to be based on enterprise agreements rather than awards."The use of formal qualifications for training employees has grown quite rapidly over the past ten years but the reasons why enterprises choose to take up this option has never been studied on a large scale before," said Associate Professor Erica Smith."The project has therefore attracted considerable interest from national and state training authorities," added Professor Smith.The CSU research team led by Professor Smith found that nationally recognized training is most effective when it becomes integrated into the organization's human resource management systems, which needs the support of senior management and their strategic planning.The resear ch project also identified the importance of an ‘evangelist’ who is committed to qualifications for workers and is able to interpret the often complex national training system to managers.The research involved focus groups in Sydney, Melbourne and Wagga Wagga in south western NSW, case studies in 12 enterprises across Australia , and a survey of all registered training organizations based in enterprises.On the noseAustralia’s wine industry must move up,not sidewaysIt had to happen. Australian wine, for so long the new kid on the block, is being labelled the neighbourhood bully. In Europe,anti-globalisation food activists, who are as often as not a front for local producer interests, reckon the great Aussie drop, mass produced and inexpensive, is obliterating their traditional varieties. In this campaign they are aided and abetted by some high-profile wine writers, who dismiss much of our product as indistinguishable low-end plonk. And then there is the new fashion for wine connoisseurship prompted by the success of the film Sideways. For Australian primary producers, all too adept themselves at mounting populist scare-campaigns against international competition –see today's feature on vegetable farmers – it all looks like a nasty case of the biter bit.And as if this was not bad enough, soon our vintners may be facing new competitive pressure in their major export markets from mass-produced wine made in China and other countries with low labour costs. Clearly what the industry needs is a new burst of what made it a global heavyweight in the first place: energy and innovation. At the mass-produced end, winemakers are going to have to find ways of reducing costs to stay competitive against new entrants from South Africaand China. Meanwhile, we are going to have to counter the propaganda that we produce dull, predictable wine, and that will take vintnering as well as marketing skill.And as if this was not bad enough, soon our vintners may be facing new competitive pressure in their major export markets from mass-produced wine made in China and other countries with low labour costs. Clearly what the industry needs is a new burst of what made it a global heavyweight in the first place: energy and innovation. At the mass-produced end, winemakers are going to have to find ways of reducing costs to stay competitive against new entrants from South Africa and China. Meanwhile, we are going to have to counter the propaganda that we produce dull, predictable wine, and that will take vintnering as well as marketing skill.Unfortunately, government policies are not helping. Having over-encouraged investment in broadacre vineyards via tax breaks in the 1990s, now the Howard Government imposes a wine equalization tax structured in such a way that it hits mid-sized wineries –which drive most of the research and development – much harder than the boutique wineries on one side or the giants on the other. As reported in The Australian today, the very techniques that turned Australian wine into an industry worth nearly $3 billion annually are now being taught to Chinesevintners. When they eventually rise up to challenge their teachers in the market for commodity wines, we will need to be able to respond – with quality.。
科学进步对社会的影响英语作文英文回答:The impact of scientific progress on society is immense. It has revolutionized the way we live, work, and communicate. For example, the invention of the internet has completely transformed the way we access information and connect with others. It has made communication faster and more convenient, allowing us to stay in touch with people from all over the world. Furthermore, advancements in medicine have significantly improved the quality and length of our lives. Diseases that were once considered fatal can now be treated and managed effectively. This has had a profound impact on society, as people are able to live longer and healthier lives.Another example of the impact of scientific progress on society is the development of renewable energy sources. As we face the challenges of climate change, the advancementof solar and wind energy technologies has becomeincreasingly important. These technologies not only reduce our reliance on fossil fuels but also create new job opportunities and stimulate economic growth.Overall, scientific progress has greatly benefited society by improving our quality of life, creating new opportunities, and addressing pressing global issues.中文回答:科学进步对社会的影响是巨大的。
关于社会科学和人文科学比较的六级英语作文Social science and humanities are two major branches of academic disciplines that focus on studying different aspects of human society and culture. While they both aim to understand human behavior and society, there are significant differences between the two fields in terms of their methodologies, perspectives, and subject matters.Social science refers to the scientific study of human society and social relationships. It includes disciplines such as sociology, psychology, economics, political science, and anthropology. Social scientists use a variety of research methods, including quantitative and qualitative approaches, to gather and analyze data on human behavior and social systems. They seek to uncover patterns, trends, and relationships in society in order to explain and predict social phenomena. Social science research often relies on empirical evidence and statistical analysis to test hypotheses and theories.On the other hand, humanities encompass disciplines that focus on the study of human culture, history, and values. This includes subjects such as literature, philosophy, history, art, music, and religious studies. Humanities scholars use methods such as textual analysis, interpretation, and critique to examineand understand cultural artifacts and expressions. They seek to explore the meaning, significance, and impact of human creativity and experience on society. Humanities research often involves engaging with primary sources, critical theory, and theoretical frameworks to interpret and evaluate the human condition.One key difference between social science and humanities is their underlying approaches to knowledge and understanding. Social science tends to adopt a more positivist and empirical perspective, emphasizing the use of scientific methods and data to study human behavior. In contrast, humanities often take a more interpretative and critical approach, focusing on the subjective interpretation and meaning of human culture and values. While social science seeks to uncover universal laws and patterns in society, humanities delve into the complexities of human experience and expression.Another difference is in the subject matter and scope of study between the two fields. Social science primarily focuses on studying social structures, institutions, and relationships, such as politics, economics, and social inequality. It seeks to explain social behavior and phenomena through systematic analysis and observation. Humanities, on the other hand, examine humancreativity, imagination, and expression in areas such as literature, art, philosophy, and religion. They explore the cultural, historical, and aesthetic dimensions of human experience and identity.Despite these differences, social science and humanities are interconnected and complementary in their efforts to understand and analyze human society and culture. They both contribute valuable insights and perspectives to the broader study of human behavior and experience. Social science provides a foundation for examining social issues and trends, while humanities offer a deeper understanding of human values, beliefs, and aspirations. By integrating the methodologies and perspectives of both fields, researchers can gain a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complexities of human society and culture.In conclusion, social science and humanities play essential roles in advancing our knowledge and understanding of human society and culture. While they have distinct methodologies, perspectives, and subject matters, they share a common goal of exploring and interpreting the complexities of human behavior and experience. By recognizing the unique contributions of each field and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, researcherscan deepen their insights and broaden their perspectives on the diverse and evolving nature of human society and culture.。
以《The Impact of Technology onSociety》为题的英语范文三篇以下是三篇以《The Impact of Technology on Society》为题的英语范文:范文一:The Impact of Technology on Society Technology has had a profound impact on society in recent years. It has revolutionized various aspects of our lives and transformed the way we interact, communicate, and work. This essay will discuss some of the positive and negative impacts of technology on society.One of the major positive impacts of technology is the enhanced communication and connectivity it offers. With the advent of smartphones, social media, and messaging apps, people can now easily connect with others regardless of time and distance. This has resulted in improved social connectivity and the ability to share information and ideas instantly.Moreover, technology has greatly influenced the economy by creating new industries and job opportunities. The rise of e-commerce has transformedthe way people shop, and the growth of online businesses has opened up new avenues for entrepreneurship. In addition, automation and artificial intelligence have streamlined many processes and increased productivity in various sectors.However, technology also has some negative impacts on society. One of the main concerns is the growing reliance on technology, which can lead to social isolation and a decrease in face-to-face interactions. In today's digital age, many people spend excessive amounts of time on their devices, which can negatively impact their mental health and interpersonal relationships.Furthermore, there are concerns about privacy and security in an increasingly interconnected world. The digitalization of personal information and the ease of access to it have raised issues regarding data protection and cybercrime. It is crucial for society to address these challenges and ensure that technology is used responsibly.In conclusion, technology has had a profound impact on society, both positive and negative. It has improved communication, revolutionized industries, and enhancedproductivity. However, it has also brought about concerns regarding social isolation, privacy, and security. It is essential for individuals and governments to navigate the benefits and risks of technology to ensure a balanced and responsible use of it in society.范文二:The Impact of Technology on Society Technology plays a significant role in shaping society, and its impact can be seen in various aspects of our lives. From communication to education, from healthcare to entertainment, technology has revolutionized the way we live and interact. This essay will discuss some of the key impacts of technology on society.One of the most noticeable impacts of technology is the way it has transformed communication. With the advent of smartphones and the internet, people can now connect and communicate with each other from anywhere in the world. Social media platforms have further revolutionized communication by allowing individuals to share their thoughts, experiences, and ideas on a global scale.Moreover, technology has had a profound impact on education. Online learning platforms and digital resources have made education more accessible and flexible. Students can now access educational materials and participate in virtual classrooms, breaking down geographical barriers and providing opportunities for lifelong learning.In the field of healthcare, technology has brought about significant advancements. Medical devices, telemedicine, and electronic health records have improved patient care and accessibility to healthcare services. Technology has enabled doctors to diagnose and treat patients more accurately, leading to better health outcomes.However, technology also has its drawbacks. One concerning impact is the increase in screen time and sedentary lifestyles. With the proliferation of devices and entertainment options, many individuals spend excessive amounts of time in front of screens, leading to various health issues such as obesity and eye strain.Additionally, there are concerns regarding privacy and security in the digital age. Instances of data breachesand identity theft highlight the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Society must address these challenges to ensure the responsible use of technology.In conclusion, technology has had a profound impact on society, transforming communication, education, healthcare, and various other aspects of our lives. It has brought about numerous benefits, such as improved connectivity and accessibility to information. However, it is essential to be mindful of the potential drawbacks and address them to ensure the responsible and balanced use of technology in society.范文三:The Impact of Technology on SocietyThe proliferation of technology has undeniably shaped and influenced society in numerous ways. From the way we work to the way we communicate, technology has transformed our lives and brought about both positive and negative changes. This essay will discuss some of the key impacts of technology on society.One of the most significant impacts of technology is the automation of tasks and processes. This has resultedin increased efficiency and productivity across various industries. Automation has replaced manual labor in many areas, leading to the creation of new jobs that require different skill sets.Furthermore, technology has revolutionized communication. The rise of social media platforms and messaging apps has transformed the way we interact and connect with others. People can now communicate instantly and conveniently, regardless of their physical location. This has not only improved social connectivity but has also facilitated the spread of information and ideas.Another notable impact of technology is the accessibility to information and knowledge it has provided. With the internet, people can access a vast amount of information on almost any subject with just a few clicks. This has democratized learning and empowered individuals to educate themselves on various topics.However, technology has also brought about concerns and challenges. One of the main concerns is the potential loss of jobs due to automation and artificialintelligence. While technology has created new job opportunities, it has also rendered some occupations obsolete. It is essential for society to adapt and provide opportunities for retraining and reskilling.Moreover, the reliance on technology has raised concerns about privacy and security. With the increasing amount of personal data being stored and transferred digitally, there is a need for robust security measures to protect individuals' information from data breaches and cyberattacks.In conclusion, technology has had a profound impact on society, bringing about both positive and negative changes. It has increased productivity, revolutionized communication, and facilitated access to information. However, it is crucial for society to address the challenges that come with technology, such as job displacement and privacy concerns. By embracing technology responsibly, society can harness its benefits and mitigate its drawbacks.。
2015年6月英语六级第一篇作文【2015年6月英语六级第一篇作文】Title: The Impact of Technology in Modern SocietyIn the modern world, technology plays a significant role in shaping the way we live, work, and communicate. From smartphones to social media, the impact of technology on society cannot be ignored. This essay will discuss the positive and negative effects of technology on society, focusing on communication, education, and work.One of the most important benefits of technology in modern society is the ease of communication. With the rise of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, people can stay connected with friends and family members all over the world. This has made communication more accessible and efficient than ever before. Additionally, technology has also revolutionized the way we receive and share information. Through the internet, people can access a wealth of knowledge on any topic, enabling them to learn and grow in ways that were previously impossible.However, the reliance on technology for communication and information can also have negative consequences. For example,the prevalence of smartphones and social media has led to a decrease in face-to-face interactions. Many people now prefer to communicate through text messages or online chats, rather than having a real conversation. This can lead to a sense of isolation and disconnection from others.In the field of education, technology has transformed the way students learn and teachers teach. With the introduction of online courses and digital textbooks, students have access to a wealth of resources that can enhance their learning experience. Additionally, educational apps and programs make learning more interactive and engaging. However, the increasing reliance on technology in the classroom also raises concerns about the quality of education.Moreover, technology has had a significant impact on the way we work. With the rise of automation and artificial intelligence, many jobs are being replaced by machines. While this has increased efficiency and productivity in many industries, it has also led to job loss and economic uncertainty for many workers. Additionally, the constant connectivity afforded by technology has blurred the lines between work and personal life, leading to high levels of stress and burnout.In conclusion, the impact of technology on society is both positive and negative. While technology has revolutionized communication, education, and work, it has also led to challenges such as social isolation, job loss, and stress. It is important for us to recognize the benefits and drawbacks of technology and strive to find a balance that allows us to harness its power for good while mitigating its negative effects.。
有个科技对文化的影响的学术英语作文The Impact of Technology on CultureIntroductionTechnology has become an integral part of our daily lives, affecting almost every aspect of human existence. From communication and transportation to entertainment and education, technology has revolutionized the way we live. In this paper, we will explore the impact of technology on culture, focusing on how it has influenced our traditions, beliefs, values, and social interactions.Technological Advancements and Cultural ChangeOne of the most significant ways in which technology has impacted culture is by changing the way we communicate. The rise of the internet and social media has made it easier for people to connect with others around the world, breaking down geographical barriers and allowing for the exchange of ideas and information on a global scale. This has led to the creation of new online communities and virtual social spaces that have reshaped the way we form relationships and interact with one another.Furthermore, advancements in digital technology have transformed the way we consume media and entertainment.With the rise of streaming services, online gaming, and virtual reality, traditional forms of entertainment such as television and movies have been revolutionized, leading to the emergence of new cultural trends and influences. This has also created new opportunities for artists, musicians, and content creators to reach a wider audience and share their work with the world.The Impact of Technology on Traditional CulturesWhile technology has brought about many positive changes to our culture, it has also had some negative effects on traditional practices and beliefs. The globalization of technology has led to the homogenization of cultures, as traditional customs and ways of life are often overshadowed by Western ideals and values. This has resulted in the erosion of indigenous cultures and languages, as younger generations are increasingly drawn to Western influences and lifestyles.Additionally, the rapid pace of technological innovation has created a divide between generations, as older individuals struggle to keep up with the latest technological trends and advancements. This has resulted in a loss of cultural knowledge and heritage, as younger generations become more detached from their traditional roots and values.However, it is important to note that technology can also be used as a tool to preserve and promote traditional cultures. Through the use of digital archives, virtual museums, and online storytelling platforms, cultural heritage can be preserved and shared with future generations, ensuring that traditional practices and beliefs are not lost to history.ConclusionIn conclusion, technology has had a profound impact on culture, shaping the way we communicate, consume media, and interact with one another. While there are both positive and negative effects of technology on traditional cultures, it is essential that we find a balance between embracing technological advancements and preserving our cultural heritage. By utilizing technology as a tool to promote cultural diversity and awareness, we can ensure that our traditions, beliefs, and values continue to thrive in the digital age.。
科学精神对日常生活影响英语作文The Impact of the Scientific Spirit on Daily Life.The scientific spirit, encompassing curiosity, rationality, empiricism, and skepticism, is an essential component of human civilization. It has not only shaped the way we understand and interact with the natural world but also profoundly influenced our daily lives. This essay explores the various ways the scientific spirit impacts our daily routines, decision-making, and worldviews.Firstly, the scientific spirit fosters curiosity, which drives us to seek knowledge and understanding. In our daily lives, this curiosity manifests as a desire to learn new things, whether it's about the latest technological advancements, the science behind common phenomena, or the underlying reasons for social and cultural practices. We are constantly seeking answers to questions that arise in our minds, and this quest for knowledge helps us make informed decisions and lead more fulfilling lives.Rationality, another cornerstone of the scientific spirit, plays a crucial role in our daily decision-making. Rational thinking involves the use of logic and reason to evaluate information, form opinions, and make choices. In our daily lives, we use rational thinking to solve problems, make decisions about our careers, health, and finances, and interact with others. By weighing evidence and considering various perspectives, we can make more well-informed and responsible decisions.Empiricism, which emphasizes the importance of observable evidence and experimentation, also has implications for our daily lives. We rely on empirical evidence to assess the effectiveness of products, thesafety of foods and drugs, and the accuracy of information we encounter. In the medical field, for instance, the scientific method is used to test the safety and efficacyof new drugs and treatments, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care. Similarly, in our daily lives, we use empirical evidence to make choices about consumer products, such as selecting cars based on safety ratings orevaluating the quality of food based on nutritional information.Skepticism, the final component of the scientificspirit, encourages us to question authority andconventional wisdom. In our daily lives, skepticism helpsus avoid falling victim to misinformation and pseudoscience. It encourages us to critically analyze information,question its sources, and seek independent verification. This skepticism is especially important in the era of the internet, where misinformation and fake news can spread rapidly. By questioning and verifying information, we can make more informed decisions and avoid being misled.In addition to its impact on individual decision-making and knowledge acquisition, the scientific spirit also shapes our collective understanding of the world. Through the scientific method, we have come to understand the lawsof nature, the origin of life, and the structure of the universe. This understanding has not only transformed our worldviews but also led to practical applications that improve our lives, such as advancements in medicine,technology, and environmental protection.In conclusion, the scientific spirit has a profound impact on our daily lives. It fosters curiosity, rationality, empiricism, and skepticism, shaping the way we learn, decide, and understand the world. By embracing the scientific spirit, we can make more informed and responsible decisions, avoid falling victim to misinformation, and contribute to the continuous advancement of human knowledge and understanding.。
S UMMER 2003P SYCHOLOGICAL S CIENCE A GENDA 8The Social Impact of Internet Use by Robert Kraut and Sara Kiesler, Carnegie Mellon UniversitySCIENCE BRIEFSP sychologists have long studiedhow people’s communicationcontext changes socialrelationships. Classic studies byFestinger, Schachter and Back (1950)and Newcomb (1961) examined howpeople’s physical proximity influencedtheir communication patterns andfriendships. The Internet opens newoptions for communication that maychallenge our understanding of howcommunication shapes socialrelationships. We have been studyingthe influence of Internet use on socialrelationships since 1995 (Kraut,Scherlis, Mukhopadhyay, Manning, &Kiesler, 1996).Over 60% of U.S. households now havea personal computer and over 50% haveInternet access (U. S. Department ofCommerce, 2002). Although people usethe Internet for many purposes,interpersonal communication isprobably the most important, in thesense that it is most popular (e.g.,Horrigan & Rainie, 2001) and drivesother Internet use (Kraut,Mukhopadhyay, Szczypula, Kiesler, &Scherlis, 1999).Because interpersonal communication dominates Internet use, using the Internet could have positive social impact on people’s social engagement and on its psychological benefits (e.g.,Cohen & Wills, 1985; Diener, Suh,Lucas, & Smith, 1999). Research,however, suggests that online communication is less beneficial than offline communication. For example,communication online is less interactive than face-to-face or telephone conversation, and it conveys less contextual information per unit of time (Sproull & Kiesler, 1991).Relationships developed or maintained online are slower to develop (Walther,2002) and weaker than those developed or maintained in more traditional settings (Cummings, Butler, & Kraut,2002; Parks & Roberts, 1998).Our approach Most claims about the social impact of the Internet are based on evidence from cross-sectional surveys that compare Internet users and non-users on such social outcomes as communication with family, community participation, or psychological health (e.g., Katz & Rice,2002). It is well known, however, that Internet users and non-users differ in their demographic attributes, attitudes,values, and life style (see U. S.Department of Commerce, 2002 for evidence on demographic differences).Statistical controls for pre-existing differences between Internet users and non-users in cross-sectional samples are generally inadequate, because measurement errors cause statistical techniques to under-adjust and becauseresearchers fail to include relevantRobert Kraut is Herbert A. Simon Pro-fessor of Human-Computer Interaction at Carnegie Mellon University. He re-ceived his PhD in Social Psychology from Yale University in 1973, and previously taught at the University of Pennsylvania and Cornell University.He was a research scientist at AT&T Bell Laboratories and Bell Communica-tions Research for twelve years. Kraut has broad interests in the design and social impact of computing and con-ducts research on everyday use of the Internet, technology and conversation,collaboration in small work groups,and computing in organizations. More information is available at /~kraut.Sara Kiesler was trained as an ex-perimental social psychologist and has a PhD in psychology. She has held positions at Yale, Connecticut College,University of Kansas, the National Re-search Council, Interval Research, and Carnegie Mellon University. Her re-search aims at understanding the de-sign and social impact of computer and telecommunications technologies.She has studied social aspects of com-municating through computer net-works, and she published papers on phenomena such as flaming, group equalization in electronic groups, and participation of remote and marginal organizational members in teams.With Lee Sproull, she authored Con-nections: New Ways of Working in the Networked Organization (MIT Press).Her subsequent work included HomeNet, the field study of families on the Internet; studies of collabora-tions and distributed work arrange-ments in organizations; and studies of human-robot interaction.ROBERT KRAUTSARA KIESLERS UMMER 2003P SYCHOLOGICAL S CIENCE A GENDA9...continued from page 9individual differences, such asextraversion.We have adopted a longitudinalapproach, examining changes in socialvariables of interest amongcomparatively light and heavy Internetusers. Measuring the effects of Internetuse across time on the same individualsprovides natural controls for pre-existing differences. By using statisticalgrowth models (Singer & Willett,2003), one can identify the attributes ofindividuals, including their amount andtype of Internet use, that predictchanges in social engagement andpsychological well-being.Since 1995, we have conducted studiesof Internet use. We describe three here.Others can be found at http:///progress. Weconducted the first project, HomeNet-1,in the early days of residential Internetuse. To examine how ordinaryAmericans would use this then-newtechnology, we created a fieldexperiment. We gave families Internetaccess in exchange for observing theironline behavior. Much of this earlywork was descriptive, to understandhow people integrated the technologyinto their lives. In the HomeNet-2project, in 1998, we recruited a samplethat had recently purchased a new homecomputer. We intended to conduct atrue experiment, by randomlyproviding half of the computerpurchasers with free Internet service.Unfortunately, within six months, 83%of the households assigned to the no-Internet control condition purchasedInternet service on their own. As aresult, we examined the impact ofInternet use through analysis of thelongitudinal data. By HomeNet-3, in2001, we were convinced that howpeople used the Internet influenced itsimpact over time. For example, usingthe Internet to find information mighthave a different impact than using theInternet for talking with friends andfamily. We recruited a large U.S.sample, to provide sufficient statistical power to differentiate the effects of specific uses of the Internet.Internet use, social involvement and psychological well-being Given the extensive use of the Internet for interpersonal communication, we have been surprised to find that greater use of the Internet doesn’t necessarily lead to larger social networks, more social support, better relationships with online partners, or the positive psychological outcomes generally associated with social engagement. For example, in all three studies, compared with people who did not use the Internet at all or used it lightly, people who used the Internet heavily reported larger increases in daily life stress (Holm & Holroyd, 1992; Kanner,1981). Internal analyses did not reveal a single stressor or source of stress that increased with Internet use. Rather,Internet users appear to experience a diffuse increase in stress. One explanation is that the Internet introduces more activities and social obligations into users’ lives, and the increased time pressures add stress to what had been a slower-paced life.Another explanation is that difficult-to-use technology, barrages of information and communication, and other online irritants make users more sensitive to routine events that they could have easily coped with in the past.Our other findings about the impact of Internet use on social involvement and psychological well-being have been less consistent. Our initial research (Kraut et al., 1998) showed that greater use of the Internet was associated with declines in users’ communication with family members, declines in the size of their social circle, and increases in their depression and loneliness. This research led to national news articles with evocative headlines, such as “Researchers Find Sad, Lonely World in Cyberspace.” A 3-year follow-up of the same respondents, however, found that most of the negative effects dissipated (Kraut et al., 2002, study 1).In HomeNet-2 (Kraut et al., 2002, study 2), computer purchasers, after a year,generally experienced positive effects from using the Internet on communication and social involvement—increases in the size of their social circles, face-to-face communication, community involvement, trust in people, and positive affect. At the same time,heavier Internet use was associated with the increases in stress already mentioned and declines in users’knowledge of, and commitment to, their local area. Consistent with a “rich get richer” hypothesis, having more social resources amplified the benefits that people got from using the Internet.Among extraverts, for example, using the Internet was associated with increases in community involvement and self-esteem, and declines in loneliness, negative affect, and time pressure. The reverse trends were found for introverts.Our most recent national panel study, as yet unpublished, shows a mixed pattern,in which using the Internet for entertainment and information search is associated with different changes in social outcomes than using it for communication with friends and family or for meeting new people online.Overall, people who use the Internet for social purposes are more generally socially engaged offline as well, but their use of the Internet for social purposes, surprisingly, predicts declines in some measures of social engagement.We continue to examine how people’s uses of the Internet and individual differences play a role in the impact the Internet has on them. We believe that a major reason for some changes in our findings over time is that the Internet,the purposes for which it is used, and norms surrounding use are co-evolving.The Internet of today is not the Internet of 1996, and the Internet of tomorrow will not be the Internet of today. For example, the nature of electronic mail changes as more friends and family go online and as more companies sendunsolicited advertisements. As theseS UMMER 2003P SYCHOLOGICAL S CIENCE A GENDA 10changes take place, people will find new ways to use this technology, and its social impact will change once again. ReflectionsWe originally predicted that because the Internet is a social technology, using it would have effects similar to traditional forms of communication: more social support and less loneliness and stress. For some people, this positive expectation seems to be confirmed. Their social contacts and outcomes are augmented by Internet use. Among people whose Internet use fails to have these beneficial consequences, we believe there are two reasons. First are the activities these users perform online. Not all Internet use is communication, and even communication can be harmful in some circumstances. For example, in our early studies, we witnessed teens from different high schools hurling racial insults and anti-Semitic epithets over electronic mail. Second are opportunity costs. The time people spend online can come at the expense of other, more valuable offline activities. For example, in our early research we saw teens spending hours online chatting with strangers instead of hanging out or playing sports with friends from school.This behavior was especially likely during the mid-1990s, when only a small fraction of the U.S. population was online and software applications like instant messaging, which links “buddies,” were not yet developed. For those teens in 1996, online communication, of itself, was not harmful. Rather it provided fewer benefits than communication with local friends, who, for example, could provide more social support. More generally, online communication may be harmful if it substitutes for more effective ways of being with people. As the technologies for online communication evolve, they will offer new ways for people to substitute or augment their valuable social relationships. Psychologists can discover the choices people make in using the Internet and their consequences. They can also participatein the design of online communicationso that it is socially beneficial. ■ReferencesCohen, S., & Wills, T. A. (1985). Stress, socialsupport, and the buffering hypothesis.Psychologica l Bulletin, 98(2), 310-357.Cummings, J., Butler, B., & Kraut, R. (2002).The quality of online social relationships.Communica tions of the ACM, 45(7), 103-108.Diener, E., Suh, E. M., Lucas, R. E., & Smith,H. L. (1999). Subjective well-being: Threedecades of progress. Psychologica l Bulletin,125(2), 276-302.Festinger, L., Schacter, S., & Back, K. (1950).Socia l pressures in informa l groups. A studyof huma n fa ctors in housing. Palo Alto,CA: Stanford University Press.Holm, J. E., & Holroyd, K. A. (1992). 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