When a society progresses in material culture but, non-material culture remains same is termed as cultural lag. Balance between both parts of culture is necessary for the stability of society. If society progresses in technology, its norms and values should also keep up with new development. However, if social norms and value remain same; it may result in disorganization of social structure and create social problems.
Nineteenth century have witnessed tremendous advancement in technology. Developed countries have adapted to the change earlier but, developing countries are still in the process of adaption. Cultural lag take place during the process of adapting technological change. For instance, most developing country have been resisting technological change because, they think it is spoiling new generation. Why such thoughts arouse in the mind of people? Because, they have not yet established the norms and values for the development. Children in such society misuse smartphones and computers. They use different apps, social networking sites on smartphone for sexting, chatting with strangers and use computers for playing video games.
However, computers and smartphones are very beneficial for society, if used positively. Before the advent of computer students used to search a meaning of any word, in big fat dictionaries; which was very time consuming but, now it is one click away from us. World information can be retrieved through, figure tips. But educational institutions should develop norms for the new component of material culture. Students should be taught, how to use the technology for educational purposes. Teachers should give research assignment to student; which should be prepared in “MS Word” and submitted through, email. It will establish a norm for using technology for productive work. Children will learn job skills and normative behavior of using technology.
Societies in which people are resisting to social change, just focus on the negative aspects of technology. Because social institutions have not established norms for the new technological development. If students were taught how to develop apps in schools. Instead of using app, they would have been interested in developing apps. If children were taught computer programming, instead of playing video game, they would have been developing video games and software.
Many mothers hand over their phones to toddlers; to watch videos and cartoons. Despite the fact, it may increase the risk of eye diseases like, myopia, double vision, headache from eye strain etc. Cultural lag can also cause serious social problems like, child abuse. Many cases of child abuse occurred due to, the use of Facebook by children. Perpetrators used social networking site to abuse children. They tempted children to meet them via, Facebook chat. Therefore, it is important to establish norms and values for adapting technology, to eliminate the occurrence of social problems from society.
When E-baking was introduced many people were robbed on internet. Their Credit cards were hacked on the internet and used by the hackers. People resisted using credit card for online shopping because, they were afraid that their card would be hacked. At that time cyber-crime departments were not established in many countries, to monitor cyber-crimes and arrest cyber criminals. However, after the establishment of department people were not resistant to the change. Cyber-crime department established norms, which countered the social problem (cyber-crimes).
