It is within the very nature of living organisms to change with the passing of time. Since the beginning of mankind, humanity has changed and evolved, in order to adapt to its environment and ultimately survive. In the year 2022, however, societal change has implications that are more complex and multifaceted than ever.

The rapid development of technology over the past decades, for instance, has allowed for brilliant discoveries to be made within fields such as healthcare and communication, improving the lives of millions of people and providing new opportunities to previously underdeveloped areas. On the other hand, such growth may cause individuals to become ultra-dependent on technology or cause social media addiction and other phenomena that may have a negative effect on the users’ mental health. These contrasting aspects of change within the field of technology are two sides of the same coin.

Moreover, it can be difficult for us as humans to accept change, despite whether we view it as good or bad. Certain psychological biases such as cognitive dissonance may make personal change and growth extremely difficult for certain individuals. Societal change ultimately has its pitfalls as various social groups hold conflicting personal and political ideologies, such as progressive vs conservative views, making it extremely difficult to decide on what change is ultimately “good” for society.

Within this podcast, Chris and Ilinca will be discussing both the positive and the negative aspects of social change within our modern society, through the lenses of anthropology, psychology, and technology. Furthermore, they will acknowledge how and why change has been such an important stepping stone for society to become what it is today.