Running head: TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION 1

Technological Revolution

Student’s Name

Institutional Affiliation
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Technological Revolution

A significant aspect used to characterize President Clinton’s leadership is the shift

from the stagnant 1980 economy to the annual economic growth of 4 %. These robust

changes were as a result of President Clinton’s administration revolutionary approach toward

information technology. The development of new technologies during the administration led

to the creation of a strong economy, and this, in turn, facilitated the development of the New

Economy ("Clinton Presidency: Unleashing the New Economy -- Expanding Access to

Technology," n.d.).

Numerous technological advancements were made in the 1990s, some of which will

be discussed below. One of the most significant outcomes of the 1990s technological

advancements is the introduction of Windows 95 by Microsoft. Its immediate popularity

resulted in Windows becoming the standard Operating System for most Personal Computers,

and three years later, Windows 98 was developed, which became even more popular. In the

same year, Sun Microsystems developed the Java Programming language that is currently

used in the development of mobile applications, desktop applications, games as well as web

applications among others. The Internet Explorer was developed in 1995, and since then

World Web Surfing has been more user-friendly easier to use. Other technological

advancements that occurred in the 1990s include the development of internet-based

businesses such as eBay, Amazon, Yahoo, Email and instant messaging. Digital video

recorders, DVDs, Text messaging, play stations, Automated Teller Machines as well as USB

ports were developed in the 1990s (Forrest, 2015).

The surge in new technology affected the United States (U.S) Economy positively.

Through the utilization of information technology, President Clinton’s administration aimed

at improving the quality of life of Americans as well as reinvigorating the economy. Due to
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technological surge, the majority of American households owned a computer, enabling

connection of over 200 million people to the Internet. Access to the internet opened people to

a world of opportunities, where people could use the internet to earn money (Jorgenson,

2015). By 1997, there was a $41.4 billion-dollar growth—a 40% increase from 1992—in

computer equipment exports. One of the most significant economic impacts of increased use

of technology was the growth of electronic commerce, which led to the expansion of small

businesses, through the reach of millions of consumers throughout the world ("Clinton

Presidency: Unleashing the New Economy -- Expanding Access to Technology," n.d.).

The technological revolution has had both positive and negative impacts on my life.

On the positive side is that it has made life more comfortable, especially by enhancing

communication. Keeping in touch with individuals living miles away has been made possible

by a wide range of communication programs such as Facebook, Skype, WhatsApp, Telegram,

among others. I have also benefited from technology business-wise, through social media

marketing—which is well-known for reaching a wider audience. On the negative side,

technology has resulted in detachment from the physical feel of life where I could interact

with people on a personal level. It has also resulted in reduced hours of exercise hence

putting my health at risk. On the whole, there are mixed implications of technology in our

lives.
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References

Forrest, C. (2015). Tech nostalgia: The top 15 innovations of the 1990s. Retrieved from

https://www.techrepublic.com/pictures/tech-nostalgia-the-top-15-innovations-of-

the-1990s/

Jorgenson, D. (2015). U.S. Economic Growth in the Information Age | Issues in Science

and Technology. Retrieved from https://issues.org/jorgenson/

The Clinton Presidency: Unleashing the New Economy -- Expanding Access to

Technology. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://clintonwhitehouse5.archives.gov/WH/Accomplishments/eightyears-

09.html