LAS 432 Technology, Society, and Culture Practice Test
Sample Questions and Answers
- Which of the following is a primary concern about the impact of technology on society?
A) Improved communication
B) Decreased reliance on traditional forms of work
C) Increased social inequality
D) Easier access to education
Answer: C) Increased social inequality
Explanation: While technology can bring about positive changes, one of the primary concerns is that it can exacerbate social inequalities, particularly through unequal access to resources like the internet, education, and employment opportunities.
- How has technology altered traditional concepts of work?
A) It has made work easier by removing physical labor entirely.
B) It has created entirely new forms of work that didn’t exist before.
C) It has made work completely remote for all individuals.
D) It has eliminated the need for human interaction in workplaces.
Answer: B) It has created entirely new forms of work that didn’t exist before.
Explanation: Technology has created new job sectors, such as app development and social media management, that didn’t exist in earlier generations, thereby transforming the way work is organized.
- What term is used to describe the process by which technology changes how we understand time and space?
A) Technological determinism
B) The digital divide
C) Time-space compression
D) Globalization
Answer: C) Time-space compression
Explanation: Time-space compression refers to the ways in which technology has made it possible to communicate, travel, and do business across vast distances in less time, effectively shrinking the world.
- Which of the following best defines “technological determinism”?
A) The belief that technology develops according to a pre-established plan
B) The idea that technology shapes society’s values and behaviors
C) The view that society controls the direction of technological progress
D) The process of humans adapting to technological advancements
Answer: B) The idea that technology shapes society’s values and behaviors
Explanation: Technological determinism is the theory that technological developments shape societal values, social structures, and even human behavior, rather than being shaped by them.
- The rise of social media has led to: A) A decrease in political engagement
B) A more passive role for consumers in cultural production
C) An increase in online public forums and participation
D) The complete disappearance of face-to-face communication
Answer: C) An increase in online public forums and participation
Explanation: Social media has provided platforms for active engagement, public debate, and the sharing of ideas, increasing participation in public and political discourse.
- Which of the following is an example of the “digital divide”?
A) The gap between individuals who use and those who do not use digital technologies
B) The ability to stream movies in high definition
C) The creation of universally accessible websites
D) Online education courses that reach all socioeconomic groups equally
Answer: A) The gap between individuals who use and those who do not use digital technologies
Explanation: The digital divide refers to the disparities in access to digital technology and the internet, often based on socioeconomic status, geography, or education.
- What is one of the primary ethical concerns about the proliferation of artificial intelligence in society?
A) It may lead to job displacement.
B) It can make human decision-making obsolete.
C) It will create a new form of entertainment.
D) It will guarantee economic growth for all sectors.
Answer: A) It may lead to job displacement.
Explanation: One of the key ethical concerns with AI is its potential to automate jobs, leading to displacement for workers in industries like manufacturing, transport, and customer service.
- Which of the following describes “technological convergence”?
A) Different types of technologies becoming interconnected and working together
B) The rise of more specialized, niche technologies
C) A society’s reluctance to adopt new technologies
D) The creation of more complex technologies that replace older ones
Answer: A) Different types of technologies becoming interconnected and working together
Explanation: Technological convergence refers to the merging of distinct technologies into new systems that can perform multiple functions, such as smartphones combining telecommunication, internet access, and photography.
- What is one potential social impact of the increasing reliance on smartphones and mobile technology?
A) Increased focus on face-to-face communication
B) Reduction in social isolation
C) Greater accessibility to information for marginalized groups
D) A decline in attention span and increased distractions
Answer: D) A decline in attention span and increased distractions
Explanation: Constant notifications and multitasking associated with smartphones can reduce individuals’ attention spans, leading to distractions both socially and professionally.
- Which of the following best represents the concept of “cyberculture”?
A) The digitalization of traditional art forms
B) The creation of virtual communities online
C) The convergence of digital technologies with everyday life
D) The mass production of consumer electronics
Answer: B) The creation of virtual communities online
Explanation: Cyberculture refers to the culture that has emerged as a result of the internet and digital technologies, including the formation of online communities and social networks.
- What is a potential consequence of the mass surveillance enabled by technology?
A) Increased individual freedom and autonomy
B) A reduction in the power of governments and corporations
C) A loss of privacy and personal freedoms
D) Greater equality in the distribution of power
Answer: C) A loss of privacy and personal freedoms
Explanation: Mass surveillance technologies, like those used by governments or private companies, can erode privacy, leading to a greater sense of being watched or controlled, with potential risks to personal freedoms.
- Which of the following is an example of technology that has facilitated globalization?
A) The development of local broadcasting stations
B) The introduction of the printing press
C) The invention of the internet
D) The use of telegraphs
Answer: C) The invention of the internet
Explanation: The internet has allowed for instantaneous communication and the global exchange of information, breaking down geographical barriers and facilitating globalization in trade, culture, and communication.
- Which social theory suggests that technology is a key factor in the development of social structures and cultural change?
A) Structural functionalism
B) Conflict theory
C) Symbolic interactionism
D) Social constructionism
Answer: B) Conflict theory
Explanation: Conflict theory, particularly as applied to technology, suggests that technological advancements can exacerbate social inequalities, with those controlling the technology gaining more power and influence.
- How does technology impact the perception of “public space”?
A) It has made public spaces more private
B) It has reduced the importance of public spaces altogether
C) It has created new digital public spaces, like social media platforms
D) It has led to the construction of larger physical public spaces
Answer: C) It has created new digital public spaces, like social media platforms
Explanation: Technology, especially social media, has shifted the idea of public space to include virtual spaces where people interact and share ideas, significantly impacting social dynamics.
- Which of the following is an example of “cultural hegemony” in the context of technology?
A) The dominance of one culture’s technology over others
B) The development of diverse technological innovations in different regions
C) The spread of technology without any cultural influence
D) The equal access to technology for all cultures
Answer: A) The dominance of one culture’s technology over others
Explanation: Cultural hegemony, in this case, refers to the influence of dominant cultures in shaping global technological standards and products, which can marginalize other cultures and their technological innovations.
- What is “technocentrism”?
A) The belief that technology should be the central focus of all societal developments
B) The notion that technology should be regulated by governments to prevent harm
C) The idea that all technological advancements must be centered around environmental sustainability
D) The belief that human behavior is determined by technological forces
Answer: A) The belief that technology should be the central focus of all societal developments
Explanation: Technocentrism is the belief that technology is the driving force of progress and should play a central role in shaping society, often disregarding social, cultural, and ethical concerns.
- Which of the following is a consequence of the digital divide?
A) Increased opportunity for all individuals to access online education
B) Widening educational and economic disparities between individuals or regions
C) Universal access to healthcare through telemedicine
D) The democratization of information for all societal groups
Answer: B) Widening educational and economic disparities between individuals or regions
Explanation: The digital divide exacerbates inequalities by preventing certain groups from accessing essential resources, such as online education or job opportunities, thereby widening the gap between different socioeconomic groups.
- In what way can technology be seen as both a tool for empowerment and a tool for control?
A) Technology always empowers individuals by providing equal opportunities
B) Technology allows for better control over individual behaviors and actions, while also providing tools for self-expression
C) Technology only acts as a tool of control, with no empowering potential
D) Technology only empowers individuals in underdeveloped countries
Answer: B) Technology allows for better control over individual behaviors and actions, while also providing tools for self-expression
Explanation: Technology can be empowering by giving individuals platforms to express themselves, but it can also be used to control behaviors, such as through surveillance or algorithmic manipulation.
- Which of the following is a key argument made by critics of social media platforms?
A) They foster a stronger sense of real-world community among users
B) They can contribute to the spread of misinformation and polarize public opinion
C) They create equal access to information for everyone
D) They make it easier for users to disconnect from technology
Answer: B) They can contribute to the spread of misinformation and polarize public opinion
Explanation: Social media platforms can contribute to the spread of false information and the creation of echo chambers, where users are only exposed to ideas that reinforce their existing beliefs, leading to societal division.
- What is the concept of “the Internet of Things” (IoT)?
A) A concept where all digital devices are interconnected, allowing for seamless interaction
B) The internet used solely for accessing entertainment content
C) The rise of social media platforms that connect individuals globally
D) The use of technology exclusively for financial transactions
Answer: A) A concept where all digital devices are interconnected, allowing for seamless interaction
Explanation: The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a system where devices, objects, and systems are interconnected through the internet, enabling them to communicate and share data, such as smart home appliances and wearable health devices.
- Which societal change is directly linked to the rise of e-commerce and online shopping?
A) A reduction in the global workforce
B) A shift in consumer behavior, favoring online transactions over physical stores
C) The creation of physical retail jobs
D) The elimination of all physical stores worldwide
Answer: B) A shift in consumer behavior, favoring online transactions over physical stores
Explanation: The rise of e-commerce has changed consumer behavior, as more individuals are now comfortable purchasing goods online instead of visiting physical stores, leading to significant shifts in retail industries.
- The concept of “digital citizenship” refers to:
A) The rights and responsibilities individuals have in digital environments
B) The ability to become a citizen of multiple countries through online means
C) The requirement to only use technology for personal gain
D) The idea that online actions do not have real-world consequences
Answer: A) The rights and responsibilities individuals have in digital environments
Explanation: Digital citizenship encompasses the norms of appropriate, responsible behavior when using technology, including respecting others’ rights online, being aware of the impact of digital actions, and understanding one’s role in digital communities.
- How has the concept of “privacy” evolved in the digital age?
A) Privacy has remained the same, with individuals maintaining control over their personal information
B) The idea of privacy is no longer relevant, as all personal information is public
C) Privacy has become increasingly difficult to maintain due to digital surveillance and data collection
D) Privacy has been entirely regulated by governments to protect citizens
Answer: C) Privacy has become increasingly difficult to maintain due to digital surveillance and data collection
Explanation: The digital age has made it harder to maintain privacy due to the widespread collection of personal data by companies, governments, and other entities, often without individuals’ full awareness or consent.
- What is “the digital economy”?
A) An economy driven by physical goods and services
B) An economy that relies primarily on digital technologies, including online transactions and digital products
C) An economy that discourages the use of technology
D) An economy based solely on traditional financial systems
Answer: B) An economy that relies primarily on digital technologies, including online transactions and digital products
Explanation: The digital economy involves economic activities that are based on digital technologies, such as e-commerce, online services, digital marketing, and virtual goods.
- How does “networked individualism” differ from traditional forms of social interaction?
A) It encourages people to focus solely on in-person relationships
B) It refers to individuals interacting primarily through online networks rather than relying on physical communities
C) It rejects the use of technology in personal relationships
D) It promotes the idea that social networks are irrelevant to modern life
Answer: B) It refers to individuals interacting primarily through online networks rather than relying on physical communities
Explanation: Networked individualism refers to a shift in social interaction, where individuals maintain connections and manage relationships through digital networks rather than relying on physical or local communities.
- What is “crowdsourcing” in the context of technology and society?
A) The process of limiting public access to information
B) A method for individuals to anonymously critique digital platforms
C) The practice of obtaining input or resources from a large group of people, typically online
D) A way to organize political protests through digital means
Answer: C) The practice of obtaining input or resources from a large group of people, typically online
Explanation: Crowdsourcing involves gathering ideas, services, or funding from a large group of people, often through online platforms, and is commonly used for everything from problem-solving to funding projects.
- Which of the following is an example of technology’s role in the democratization of information?
A) The rise of centralized, government-controlled media
B) The development of open-source software
C) The closing of universities to digital students
D) The decline of public libraries
Answer: B) The development of open-source software
Explanation: Open-source software allows individuals to freely access, use, modify, and share technology, making information and tools more widely available and accessible to people across various social and economic backgrounds.
- What is the term “algorithmic bias” in the context of technology?
A) A process that ensures algorithms treat all users equally
B) The impact of algorithms that unintentionally favor certain groups or perspectives
C) A method used to eliminate bias in computer programming
D) A system that automatically corrects biases in human decision-making
Answer: B) The impact of algorithms that unintentionally favor certain groups or perspectives
Explanation: Algorithmic bias occurs when algorithms produce results that are systematically unfair or biased against certain groups, often because of the data on which they are trained, which can reflect social prejudices.
- Which of the following is an example of the influence of technology on culture?
A) The internet’s role in spreading cultural norms and values worldwide
B) The inability to access information due to government censorship
C) The decline of all traditional art forms
D) The disappearance of local languages due to globalization
Answer: A) The internet’s role in spreading cultural norms and values worldwide
Explanation: The internet has allowed for the global exchange of cultural norms, values, art, and entertainment, making it a powerful tool in the spread of culture worldwide.
- The concept of “technological utopianism” suggests that:
A) Technology will always lead to societal collapse
B) Technology will create a perfect society where all human problems are solved
C) Technology has no influence on societal development
D) Technological advances should be halted for the sake of preserving traditional cultures
Answer: B) Technology will create a perfect society where all human problems are solved
Explanation: Technological utopianism is the belief that technology will eventually solve all societal problems, creating an ideal world without poverty, inequality, or conflict.
- Which of the following best describes the relationship between technology and globalization?
A) Technology hinders globalization by restricting communication
B) Technology accelerates globalization by enabling faster communication and trade
C) Technology isolates nations, making them more self-reliant
D) Technology has no impact on globalization
Answer: B) Technology accelerates globalization by enabling faster communication and trade
Explanation: Technology, particularly communication tools like the internet, has played a key role in speeding up globalization by making it easier for countries and companies to communicate, trade, and share ideas across the world.
- What is the primary concern regarding the ethical use of big data?
A) Its potential to create massive economic growth
B) Its ability to provide personalized services
C) Its risk of violating privacy and increasing surveillance
D) Its ability to increase social equity
Answer: C) Its risk of violating privacy and increasing surveillance
Explanation: Big data allows organizations to collect vast amounts of personal information, raising concerns about privacy violations and the potential for mass surveillance without adequate consent.
- Which of the following is a potential risk associated with the rise of automation and robotics?
A) Creation of new types of jobs in the creative industries
B) Elimination of human error in various tasks
C) Widening economic inequality due to job displacement
D) Increased personal autonomy for workers
Answer: C) Widening economic inequality due to job displacement
Explanation: Automation and robotics have the potential to replace human workers in many sectors, leading to job displacement, especially for lower-skilled workers, and potentially exacerbating economic inequality.
- The term “digital footprint” refers to:
A) The physical space required to store digital devices
B) The amount of electricity consumed by digital technologies
C) The trail of data individuals leave behind when using the internet
D) The network infrastructure that supports the internet
Answer: C) The trail of data individuals leave behind when using the internet
Explanation: A digital footprint is the record of all the online activity an individual engages in, including websites visited, social media interactions, and the data shared, which can be used for tracking and profiling.
- In what way does the concept of “technological empowerment” impact marginalized groups?
A) It often leaves marginalized groups further behind in society
B) It allows marginalized groups to gain greater access to resources and opportunities
C) It decreases the ability of marginalized groups to express their opinions
D) It eliminates the social barriers between different groups
Answer: B) It allows marginalized groups to gain greater access to resources and opportunities
Explanation: Technology can be empowering for marginalized groups by providing access to education, employment, and social opportunities that were previously inaccessible, helping to reduce inequality.
- The digitalization of education has led to which of the following?
A) A universal decline in educational standards
B) Increased access to education for a wider demographic of learners
C) A reduction in the need for teachers in classrooms
D) A decrease in the use of technological devices for learning
Answer: B) Increased access to education for a wider demographic of learners
Explanation: The digitalization of education, such as through online learning platforms, has expanded access to education, enabling learners from various socioeconomic backgrounds to engage in learning from anywhere in the world.
- Which of the following is an example of “technological dualism”?
A) The idea that technology is always beneficial for society
B) The belief that technology is neutral and its effects are determined by how it is used
C) The notion that technology can only have negative consequences for human societies
D) The idea that technological advancements should be stopped to preserve tradition
Answer: B) The belief that technology is neutral and its effects are determined by how it is used
Explanation: Technological dualism suggests that technology itself is neutral; its effects—either positive or negative—depend on how it is applied in different contexts by individuals or society.
- How do social media platforms impact political participation?
A) They discourage individuals from engaging in political discussions
B) They provide a platform for political mobilization and awareness
C) They limit the flow of political information to the public
D) They ensure all political opinions are equally represented
Answer: B) They provide a platform for political mobilization and awareness
Explanation: Social media platforms have become powerful tools for political engagement, allowing individuals to share information, organize campaigns, and discuss political issues, thus increasing political participation.
- Which of the following is a characteristic of a “smart city”?
A) It has a completely decentralized government
B) It uses technology to improve efficiency in urban management and services
C) It completely relies on manual labor for infrastructure development
D) It has no digital or technological infrastructure
Answer: B) It uses technology to improve efficiency in urban management and services
Explanation: A smart city uses technology to enhance urban living by improving public services like traffic management, waste collection, and energy use, often through data collection and IoT technologies.
- Which of the following is a consequence of “technological unemployment”?
A) The creation of new types of jobs for displaced workers
B) The total elimination of jobs in the technology sector
C) The widespread use of artificial intelligence and robots leading to the loss of jobs in certain industries
D) A greater balance in the workforce across all sectors
Answer: C) The widespread use of artificial intelligence and robots leading to the loss of jobs in certain industries
Explanation: Technological unemployment occurs when automation and AI technologies replace human workers, particularly in industries like manufacturing, logistics, and customer service.
- The “sharing economy” is best described as:
A) An economy where individuals share resources through digital platforms
B) An economy in which all goods are equally distributed to all individuals
C) An economy in which people do not engage in digital transactions
D) An economy controlled by government policies
Answer: A) An economy where individuals share resources through digital platforms
Explanation: The sharing economy involves peer-to-peer exchanges of goods or services, often facilitated by digital platforms, such as ride-sharing apps or short-term rental services.
- The rise of “fake news” in digital media primarily raises concerns about:
A) The quality of online shopping experiences
B) The accuracy and reliability of information consumed by the public
C) The growth of e-commerce platforms
D) The decrease in online video content
Answer: B) The accuracy and reliability of information consumed by the public
Explanation: The proliferation of fake news poses significant challenges to the accuracy of information shared online, potentially influencing public opinion and behavior in harmful or misleading ways.
- What is “technological autonomy”?
A) The ability of technology to operate independently of human intervention
B) The right of individuals to access all technological tools without restrictions
C) The process of humans becoming more dependent on technology
D) The notion that all technological decisions should be made by governments
Answer: A) The ability of technology to operate independently of human intervention
Explanation: Technological autonomy refers to the capacity of machines or systems to operate without human control or oversight, often seen in artificial intelligence and autonomous systems like self-driving cars.
- Which of the following is an example of “digital divide” in healthcare?
A) Widespread access to healthcare information through digital platforms
B) Equal access to telemedicine services regardless of location
C) Unequal access to healthcare technologies and telemedicine in rural areas
D) The universal availability of digital health records
Answer: C) Unequal access to healthcare technologies and telemedicine in rural areas
Explanation: The digital divide in healthcare refers to disparities in access to digital tools like telemedicine or health-related information, especially in rural or underserved areas.
- What is the “precautionary principle” in the context of emerging technologies?
A) The belief that new technologies should be adopted without delay to maximize benefits
B) The idea that potential risks of new technologies should be carefully considered before widespread adoption
C) The notion that all new technologies are harmful to society
D) The principle that new technologies should be regulated strictly after they are released
Answer: B) The idea that potential risks of new technologies should be carefully considered before widespread adoption
Explanation: The precautionary principle advises that when new technologies pose unknown or uncertain risks, precaution should be taken before they are widely implemented, particularly in areas like environmental or public health.
- What is “technoculture”?
A) A movement that opposes technological advancements
B) The culture that emerges as a result of technological innovations and their integration into society
C) The social resistance to technological changes
D) The idea that culture is not affected by technology
Answer: B) The culture that emerges as a result of technological innovations and their integration into society
Explanation: Technoculture refers to the culture that is shaped by the ongoing advancements in technology, affecting everything from communication practices to entertainment and social interaction.
- How does the concept of “data mining” affect individual privacy?
A) It enhances personal security by providing accurate personal data
B) It poses a risk to privacy by extracting and using personal data without consent
C) It guarantees the safety of personal data through encryption
D) It allows individuals to control what data is shared with others
Answer: B) It poses a risk to privacy by extracting and using personal data without consent
Explanation: Data mining involves extracting large amounts of personal information from digital platforms, often without the user’s explicit consent, raising concerns about privacy violations.
- Which of the following is true about the relationship between social media and mental health?
A) Social media always has a positive impact on mental health
B) Social media use is completely unrelated to mental health outcomes
C) Social media use can have both positive and negative impacts on mental health
D) Social media has no measurable effect on mental health
Answer: C) Social media use can have both positive and negative impacts on mental health
Explanation: While social media can help foster connections and support, excessive or negative use can lead to anxiety, depression, and poor self-esteem, especially among young people.
- The “right to be forgotten” refers to:
A) The right to remove any unwanted technology from your home
B) The ability to erase personal data from the internet under certain conditions
C) The right to delete all digital content without leaving a trace
D) The right to prevent others from sharing your personal data
Answer: B) The ability to erase personal data from the internet under certain conditions
Explanation: The “right to be forgotten” allows individuals to request the removal of personal data from the internet, especially if it is outdated, irrelevant, or harmful, in line with certain data protection regulations.
- The use of algorithms in online platforms can lead to:
A) A fully unbiased system that treats all users equally
B) A filtering of content based on individual user preferences, sometimes leading to echo chambers
C) The complete elimination of misinformation online
D) A decline in user engagement with online platforms
Answer: B) A filtering of content based on individual user preferences, sometimes leading to echo chambers
Explanation: Algorithms used by platforms like social media sites tend to show users content based on their past behavior and preferences, which can create echo chambers where they are exposed only to similar viewpoints, limiting diverse perspectives.