Final answer:
Technology influences social change by transforming communication, industries, and norms. Smartphones and ride-sharing services are examples of technological advancements altering social systems, demonstrating the interconnection between technological evolution and social adaptation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Technology often acts as an agent of social change, leading to transformations in social systems based on technological advancements. An example of this is the emergence of smartphones and the internet, which have revolutionized communication methods, impacted labor markets, and altered the structure of industries. This evolution can sometimes be disruptive, as seen with digital photography replacing film cameras, dramatically affecting companies that could not adapt. Furthermore, technology also drives modernization, which has significant implications for social change. Modernization alters the way we live, work, and interact, demanding new social norms and institutions that can manage the new technological reality. Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, exemplify the joint evolution of technology and social systems. These platforms have significantly disrupted the taxi industry, creating new opportunities for drivers and convenient options for passengers while challenging existing regulatory frameworks and practices. Ride-sharing has also stimulated discussions on labor rights, the gig economy, and urban transportation planning. This interaction between technology and social structure demonstrates the necessity for continuous adaptation of laws, policies, and social norms.