Understanding The Beneficial and Adverse Impacts of Scientific Advances on Society

 

 

Science's progress has transformed society and affected it in both positive and harmful ways. While these developments may open up new avenues for innovation, offer solutions to age-old concerns, and enhance society's general quality of life, they may also give rise to new issues that have an impact on moral questions and represent dangers to society.

The contribution in medical research and healthcare has most significantly been impacted by the scientific advances. The development of new surgical procedures has led to better treatment options and improved the chances of better outcomes to the patients. In a study done in 2017(Hutson, 2017), a new surgical procedure was developed called the Osseo-integrated implant that could lead to life-like prosthetic limbs. It involves attaching a metal Implant to the bone and is later fused with the bone. It allows patients to perform tasks that were previously impossible like climbing stairs or running. This technique has significantly impacted the lives of individual. The advancement of such scientific technology has provided people with disabilities with greater independence, improving the quality of life.

  

One of the impacts of scientific progress is the development of the CRISPR-Cas9 a gene-editing technology that is used to treat genetic disorders has improved healthcare problems. This has revolutionized the field of molecular biology allowing scientists to edit the genes responsible for genetic disorders, and finding a cure or reducing the symptoms. This technology has positively impacted the lives of individuals of patients suffering from genetic diseases, providing them with an improved quality of life.

Information can now circulate quickly and extensively thanks to social media and other online platforms, which has increased the prevalence of misleading information and fake news about scientific developments. Fake news has the potential to spread rumours and conspiracy theories that harm individuals and negatively affect society by sowing fear and uncertainty.

 

Numerous traditionally performed by humans are now mechanized due to the development and improvement of new technologies like artificial intelligence and robots. The negative effects on the workforce and the lives of those who would lose their employment to automation were a result, which had raised concerns. When looking for new employment, some people may run into financial and technological challenges.

In summary, scientific advancements' beneficial and adverse impacts on society have been observed. Healthcare results, accessibility, and mobility have all improved thanks to the advancement of new medical and means of transportation. On the other hand, the spread of false information and possible elimination of jobs as a result of automation are negative effects that have an effect on both people and society as a whole. It is crucial to keep making scientific advancements that benefit society as a whole while simultaneously considering potential drawbacks and working to lessen their effects on particular people.

 

 

  

 

References:

Aldieri, L., Ciommi, M., & Vinci, C. P. (2020). Electric mobility and urban air pollution: a worldwide overview. Journal of Cleaner Production, 245, 118961. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118961