Section 1:3 Environment
39
The Influence of
Religion
Within a culture, religious beliefs influence
your outlook on life and provide guidelines for
living. What is the purpose of life? What should
you try to accomplish in life? How should you
live your life? What happens when you die?
Religious beliefs can provide meaning and
direction to a person’s life. Associating with
others of the same belief and being an active
member of the group is usually an important part
of a person’s environment, 1-14.
Technology and the
Environment
Technology is a powerful element in today’s
environment. It influences every aspect of life.
Technology is the practical application of
knowledge. Technology is also the process of
using knowledge to solve problems.
Look around you—technology is part of your
everyday world. New technologies influence the
food you eat, the clothes you wear, the car you
drive, and the work you do. New technologies
may even affect your personal growth and
relationships.
You may wonder how one aspect of society
can have such a far-reaching impact. Changes
in technology have resulted in higher standards
of living. More goods are available at lower
prices. More information is available faster.
Fewer people work at labor-intense jobs. Medical
advances result in people living longer. These
effects are generally considered very positive.
On the negative side, an emphasis on
technology may cause people to judge their
quality of life by money or material objects. They
may spend all their free time using technology,
such as playing video games. This may lead to
neglecting personal growth and relationships.
Today, new technologies constantly provide
the means for new discoveries. Serious thought
should be given to the social and human impacts
new technologies may have. An understanding of
both positive and negative impacts can help you
make choices that will lead to personal growth.
The Influence of
Media and Electronic
Entertainment
Technology has increased the types of media
and entertainment sources available. Media
include television, radio, newspapers, magazines,
and the Internet. These are used to communicate
with large groups of people and in many cases
provide entertainment as well.
Movies, videos, TV shows, video games,
MP3 players, and video phones are forms of
electronic entertainment that have changed with
new technology. As people have more technology
in their homes, the creators of media and
entertainment can influence the public—sometimes
without people realizing it is happening.
Watching television and movies is one of
the most popular leisure pursuits. For many
individuals, the people seen daily on television
become models to imitate. Television provides
models for making friends, developing
relationships, and achieving romantic success.
Are the models you watch on TV healthy models?
Are they realistic? Do you agree with the values
they portray?
Some research shows a link between violent,
aggressive behavior and watching violent videos
or playing violent video games. When you choose
movies to watch and video games to play, choose
carefully. They may affect the way you control
your emotions and actions.
1-14
Religious beliefs impact a family’s values.