Society and Technology

Society and Technology: Promoting Well-Being in a Digital Age examines the interplay between technology and various aspects of modern life, including health and social care, education, art, and personal experiences. The book helps readers understand the ubiquity of technology and underscores the necessity of prioritizing well-being within our ever-connected, digital world.

Featuring contributed chapters written by a diverse selection of scholars and practitioners, the book explores a wide range of topics, including the ethics of social media, the challenges of technology in age-friendly cities, eHealth, and the representation of race and gender in animation. It also explores the impact of creativity on health and well-being, the consequences of technology on privacy and surveillance in the context of single-sex care, and the experiences of young adults with life-limiting conditions within built environments during pandemic restrictions. The text presents empirical data from a UK-based study during the COVID-19 pandemic related to dating app usage alongside an analysis of artificial intelligence applications in healthcare and education to demonstrate the ways in which technology has become a regular part of our daily lives.

Society and Technology is ideal for courses in sociology, health and social care, and education. It is particularly suitable for those who wish to understand the relationship between technological advancements and societal changes. Appropriate for both undergraduate and graduate levels, the text presents findings that can inform both policy and personal understanding of digital practices' dynamic role in contemporary living.

Hannah R. Marston is a senior research fellow at the School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care at The Open University, UK. Her research interests include digital technologies and practices, video games, inequalities, and user experience. Previously, she held positions in Canada and Germany and was a plenary speaker at the 2024 NZ Association of Gerontology annual conference in Wellington.