Technologies have a massive impact on experience and behavior in organizations and on markets.

Work processes in organizations are increasingly changing due to new technologies

• Machines such as bosch orbital sander are increasingly taking over the former activities of people
• Information technology structures and controls appointments, rooms, responsibilities, and much more
• Communication and teamwork is virtual and possible over great distances
• Business trips are quick and possible over long distances
• There is a clear and long-term reduction in low-skilled work
• Growing pressure to qualify affects employees: “Competence” and “Lifelong learning”

As these points already show, not all effects of technological progress can be seen as positive by everyone affected.

Effects that are often perceived as negative are

• Information overload for employees (emails and other communication channels)
• Unemployment of the low-skilled and polarization of society
• Control and transparent employees
• Alienation from the company through teleworking, social impoverishment, and difficult team coordination
• Knowledge management expropriates experts
• Relocation of decisions to technology (e.g. when buying stocks)
• Cyber loafing of employees

Of course, there are mostly positive effects on the other hand

• Communication and information are accelerated and improved
• The work is generally cleaner, less physically demanding, and often more interesting.
• Work is also becoming more flexible in terms of time and space. For example, teleworking, this usually leads to higher productivity, less fluctuation and absenteeism, and more applicants for vacancies.
• Overall, automation means societies have less workload and more free time
• The clear separation of mental and manual work is declining
• Control, efficiency, and precision are improved in many areas and processes

The challenge for organizational psychology is to promote the positive consequences of new technology for workers and companies and to reduce negative consequences. For this purpose, organizational psychologists should already be involved in the planning and preparation phase in order to tackle the corresponding challenges.

Technological development also influences the behavior of consumers

A digital lifestyle, in which the media share is increasingly being shifted to the online area, characterizes ever broader sections of the population.

Numerous people spend a lot of time on digital social networks or in online games.

The search for information on offers and purchase processes has also shifted significantly to the digital world.