Question

What are some ways technology has affected the economy? Check all that apply.

Automation has been phased out of most factories.
Many employees work from home using the Internet.
Computers and robots can do jobs humans once did.
Consumers can purchase goods with the click of a button.
The pharmaceutical industry has become less vital to the economy.
Competition to develop new products has had mostly positive effects.

Answer 1

✔ Many employees work from home using the Internet. — Telecommuting/remote work has grown with internet connectivity and collaboration tools.
✔ Computers and robots can do jobs humans once did. — Automation and AI have replaced or augmented many tasks.
✔ Consumers can purchase goods with the click of a button. — E‑commerce and mobile apps make online purchasing easy and widespread.
✖ Automation has been phased out of most factories. — The opposite is true: automation has increased in many factories.
✖ The pharmaceutical industry has become less vital to the economy. — Technology has generally made pharma and biotech more important, not less.
✔ Competition to develop new products has had mostly positive effects. — Increased tech-driven competition spurs innovation, lower prices, and more choices (though it can also cause disruption and inequality).