π Topic Summary
Technology diffusion refers to the process by which new technologies spread throughout a society or across different regions. Its impact is multifaceted, affecting economic development, social structures, cultural norms, and environmental sustainability. Understanding this diffusion process is crucial for geographers to analyze spatial patterns, predict future trends, and address associated challenges.
π§ Part A: Vocabulary
Match the following terms with their definitions:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Innovation |
A. The process by which an innovation spreads within a population or area. |
| 2. Diffusion |
B. The gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not. |
| 3. Adoption |
C. The introduction of something new, such as a new technology or method. |
| 4. Digital Divide |
D. The process of accepting or starting to use something new. |
| 5. Globalization |
E. The increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of the world's economies, cultures, and populations, brought about by cross-border trade in goods, services, technology. |
Answer Key:
1-C, 2-A, 3-D, 4-B, 5-E
π Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Technology diffusion significantly impacts (1) ___________ development by increasing productivity and efficiency. However, it can also exacerbate existing (2) ___________ if access to technology is unevenly distributed, leading to a (3) ___________ divide. The speed of diffusion is often influenced by factors such as (4) ___________ infrastructure and government (5) ___________.
Word Bank: economic, policies, inequalities, digital, communication
Answer Key:
1- economic, 2- inequalities, 3- digital, 4- communication, 5- policies
π Part C: Critical Thinking
How can governments and organizations promote equitable technology diffusion to reduce the digital divide and ensure that the benefits of technology are shared more widely?