Final answer:
Interest in geography may have transformed with technological advancements and global events, leading to changes in how geography is engaged with and perceived. Digital mapping technologies and global awareness have likely increased the practical relevance of geography, while reliance on technology could decrease traditional geographic knowledge.
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer the question about the inference one can make about changes in people's interest in geography, it's helpful to look at various factors that influence the public's engagement with this subject. One way to gauge interest is by examining the integration of geographic education in schools, the presence and popularity of geography-related media and software, and the public discourse surrounding global events that require geographical understanding, such as climate change or geopolitical conflicts.
Over the past decades, the rise of digital mapping technologies such as GPS and online maps has made geography more accessible and practical for everyday use, leading to a possible increase in interest. Additionally, the emphasis on global awareness in education and the interconnectedness of global economies may have sparked a greater public desire to understand geographical contexts. On the other hand, some argue that traditional geographic knowledge, such as country capitals or physical landforms, may be declining in the general population due to a reliance on technology to provide this information instantly.