Society and Technology: Shaping the Future Together

Technology is woven into everyday life. We use it to communicate, work, learn, travel and access services. From smartphones and social media to artificial intelligence and renewable energy, technological change is reshaping not only what people can do, but also how society is organised.

These changes bring real opportunities. They can make information easier to access, help people stay connected across long distances and improve services in areas such as healthcare, education and transport. Technology can also support new forms of creativity and collaboration, giving people tools to share ideas and take part in public life.

Benefits are not shared equally

Yet technological progress does not benefit everyone in the same way. Reliable internet access, suitable devices and digital skills remain out of reach for some people. This digital divide can make it harder to apply for jobs, use essential services or participate in education. Older people, people on low incomes and those living in areas with poor connectivity may face particular barriers.

Making technology genuinely useful means designing it around people’s needs and ensuring that non-digital options remain available where they are important. Access is not simply a matter of owning a device; it also depends on affordability, accessibility, confidence and support.

Privacy, power and responsibility

Digital services can collect vast amounts of personal information. Used carefully, data can help organisations improve services and identify patterns. Used irresponsibly, it can expose people to surveillance, discrimination or fraud. Clear rules, strong security and meaningful consent are essential if people are to have confidence in the systems they use.

Technology can also concentrate power. A small number of companies may control platforms, data and infrastructure that have become central to public life. Decisions made by these organisations can influence what people see, how businesses compete and whose voices are heard. Transparency and accountability therefore matter alongside innovation.

Work and changing skills

Automation and artificial intelligence are changing the nature of work. Some tasks may become quicker or safer, while others may disappear or require different skills. These changes can create new opportunities, but they can also cause uncertainty for workers and communities.

Preparing for this shift involves more than teaching people to use new tools. It also means investing in education and retraining, supporting workers through transitions and ensuring that the benefits of increased productivity are shared fairly.

Putting people at the centre

Technology is not a force separate from society. It is designed, funded and governed by people, and its effects depend on the choices made along the way. Public discussion can help identify risks, set priorities and ensure that a wider range of experiences informs those choices.

A fair and thoughtful approach does not require rejecting new technology. It means asking practical questions: Who benefits? Who might be left out? What information is being collected? Can people challenge a decision? Are there safeguards if something goes wrong?

Technology will continue to change society. The challenge is to guide that change with care: widening access, protecting rights, supporting workers and holding powerful organisations to account. When people have a meaningful say in how technology is developed and used, innovation has a better chance of serving the common good.

 

8 Tips for a Safer, Fairer and More Sustainable Digital Society

1. Protect personal data with strong passwords.
2. Check sources before sharing online.
3. Use technology to improve accessibility.
4. Take regular breaks from screens.
5. Report online harassment promptly.
6. Consider the environmental cost of devices.
7. Keep digital skills up to date.
8. Support fair access to broadband.

Protect personal data with strong passwords.

Protecting personal data starts with using strong, unique passwords for each account. Choose a long passphrase that is difficult to guess, avoid personal details such as birthdays, and never reuse passwords across important services. A reputable password manager can help you create and store them securely, while two-step verification adds another layer of protection if a password is stolen.

Check sources before sharing online.

Before sharing a post, image or news story online, take a moment to check where it came from. Look for the original source, check the publication date and compare the claim with reliable reporting or official information. Headlines and screenshots can be misleading, and sharing inaccurate content may cause confusion or harm. A quick check helps you make more informed choices and supports a healthier online community.

Use technology to improve accessibility.

Use technology to make everyday life more accessible for everyone. Features such as screen readers, captions, voice controls and adjustable text can help people with disabilities access information, communicate and take part in work, education and community life. When choosing or designing digital services, consider a range of needs from the outset, test them with people who have different experiences, and offer support or alternative ways to access essential services.

Take regular breaks from screens.

Taking regular breaks from screens can support your wellbeing in a technology-filled society. Step away from your device, stretch, look at something in the distance or enjoy a screen-free activity. Short breaks can ease eye strain, encourage movement and give your mind a chance to reset. Try building them into your routine, especially during long periods of work or study.

Report online harassment promptly.

If you experience or witness online harassment, report it promptly using the platform’s reporting tools. Save relevant evidence, such as screenshots, URLs and dates, before blocking or muting the account, and avoid engaging if doing so could make the situation worse. If there are threats of violence or immediate danger, contact the police or appropriate support services. Reporting helps platforms assess harmful behaviour and can help protect you and others.

Consider the environmental cost of devices.

Consider the environmental cost of the devices you use, from the raw materials and energy needed to make them to the electricity they consume and the waste they create. Keeping phones, computers and other electronics for longer, repairing them where possible and choosing refurbished models can reduce demand for new resources. When a device reaches the end of its useful life, recycle it through an approved scheme so valuable materials can be recovered and harmful waste handled safely.

Keep digital skills up to date.

Keep your digital skills up to date as technology changes the way we communicate, work and access everyday services. Set aside time to learn how to use new tools, recognise online scams and protect your personal information. You do not need to master every new app or trend: focus on the skills that are useful to you, and make use of trusted courses, libraries or community support when you need a hand.

Support fair access to broadband.

Supporting fair access to broadband means ensuring that everyone can get a reliable, affordable internet connection, wherever they live and whatever their income. Broadband is essential for studying, working, accessing public services and staying in touch, yet poor coverage and high costs can leave some people excluded. Governments, internet providers and communities can help by improving rural infrastructure, offering affordable packages and providing public access points and digital support. Better access gives more people the chance to participate fully in modern society.