Sociology and Psychology: Self-Driving Cars' Societal Effects

This essay delves into the advantages and psychological impacts of self-driving car technology on society. It explores how autonomous vehicles could enhance efficiency, reduce accidents, and offer independence to people with disabilities while also examining potential negative effects. The essay discusses economic shifts, job displacement, and the psychological challenges of relying on technology. It analyzes concerns about machine malfunctions, weather-related issues, and the need for frequent updates. Furthermore, the essay considers the mixed societal perceptions, from seeing self-driving cars as great developments to viewing them as disruptive transformations. It emphasizes the need to address psychological roadblocks to technology adoption and offers insights into the future of transportation and its implications for human behavior.

Running head: SOCIOLOGY 1
Title: Psychology and Technology
Assignment Name:
Student Name:
Course Name and Number:
Professor:
Date:

SOCIOLOGY 2
Advantages of self-driven cars and the effects of its growing technology in our society. How
might some people be affected by this technology psychologically?
Technology has undoubtedly enhanced efficiency or work and it has significantly
shaped the lives and culture. A technologically advanced country is often perceived as a
developed economy. Self-driving cars are one of the most discussed additions to technological
developments. It is beneficial in the situations where people do not how to drive, emergencies
can be tackled and it reduces chances of human error and accidents (Tide, 2017). People can just
sit back and reach the destination without tiring themselves. Its effects on society have been
mixed. Some perceive it as a great development, while others see it as an attempt to transform
the existing culture. It will make transportation and traveling quite effortless. Having self-drive
cars will be economical for families. The car loans, insurance, maintenance, etc. will not be
much as it is today (Kohl, Knigge, Baader, Bohm & Krcmar, 2018).

SOCIOLOGY 3
The self-driving cars ensure better safety on the roads and there can be a
significant reduction in the number of accidents. It can also be a great way to avoid mishaps due
to drunk driving, not following traffic rules, inability to follow the speed limit, and more. There
are several people who cannot opt for manual driving due to their disability. People who are
blind, amputees, sick, and injured can also travel without having to drive. In fact, for old age
people it can provide a sense of reliance. There will be less traffic congestion and thus the
emissions that are harmful to the environment will also be less. People can sleep without fear
while they are traveling. It would also reduce the need for driving license and driving tests.
However, it will also impact the manufacturers, dealers, and fueling stations. If
auto-ownership comes into existence and electric will be the base system, there won’t be much
need of fuel stations. In addition, in its initial stage the cost of the self-driving car will cost a
fortune. The employment of mechanics will be in jeopardy because of the centralized servicing
company (Tide, 2017). The usage of cars will definitely increase, but the auto industry will take
a huge turn. This change, in fact, is challenging for some people on a psychological level. Not
everyone will use the self-driving cars and thus it will be quite irritable to share the road for the
manual drivers. Depending on technology for the driving judgment instead of one’s own will be
difficult to accept for many people. A machine malfunction can lead to damages that are
irreparable and even loss of life that can be controlled to some extent via manual driving
(Shariff, Bonnefon & Rahwan, 2017). Moreover, the technology can misbehave in certain
weather or regional conditions. It would also demand frequent updates and maintenance.

SOCIOLOGY 4
References
Kohl, C., Knigge, M., Baader, G., Bohm, M., & Krcmar, H. (2018). Anticipating acceptance of
emerging technologies using twitter: the case of self-driving cars. Journal Of Business
Economics, 88(5), 617-642. Retrieved from
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11573-018-0897-5
Shariff, A., Bonnefon, J., & Rahwan, I. (2017). Psychological roadblocks to the adoption of self-
driving vehicles. Nature Human Behaviour, 1(10), 694-696.
Tide, R. (2017). The Societal Impact of Self-Driving Cars [Blog]. Retrieved from
https://medium.com/our-future/the-societal-impact-of-self-driving-cars-364644193a8a