Three faculty members from Penn State Behrend’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences contributed to a new book about the ways scientific research and technological innovation shape society, politics and culture.

Dr. Heather Lum, assistant professor of psychology, conceived of and was associate editor of the book, “Critical Issues Impacting Science, Technology, Society (STS), and Our Future.” She also wrote the preface, which references RFI implants, robotic exoskeletons and the 153 hours of television the average American watches every month.

“It is clear that we are fundamentally altering what is important to us as well as how we interact with each other,” Lum writes. “For centuries, face-to-face communication was the only way to interact and learn about each other and the world. But now we can talk to each other over the phone or online and gain access to any information we want.”

The book, which was published by IGI Global, assesses the impact of artificial intelligence, automated vehicles, Blockchain and wearable technology, among other topics. Dr. Ahmed Yousof, assistant teaching professor of game studies, co-wrote a chapter about digital game-based learning. Dr. Lisa Jo Elliott, assistant teaching professor of psychology, contributed a chapter about the digital divide – the disconnect between those who regularly use technology and those who do not.

To learn more about the book, visit the IGI Global website.