How pervasive is technology in our lives today?

Singapore is one of the most wired places on earth: our household broadband penetration rate is 105% at the end of 2011 and we also have the highest percentage of smart phone users in the world, relative to our population. It is a common sight to see people swiping at their mobile devices on buses and trains. According to a study by the digital marketing agency ODM Group, 74% of consumers rely on social networks to guide purchase decisions.

Impacts on society? Is it good or bad?

Promotes narcissism (bad)

Sites like Facebook allow users to mimic a perceived sense of self-esteem and self-worth based on the relative observable success or failure of his or her peers. Opportunities for validation are another huge draw to social networking sites, experts say.

Promotes extremism (bad)

The communicative and instrumental functions of the Internet facilitate the sustenance of radical virtual communities stemming from the distribution of propaganda by terrorists with the intent of garnering supporters. e.g. ISIS adopted social engineering to promote its cause, intimidate people and radicalize new recruits.