Aufgabe 3.2 · Abitur NRW Englisch LK · Rutherford: DNA ancestry tests may 2022

3.2 Using the message of the cartoon as a starting point, assess to what extent people’s private lives will be affected by technological developments in the future.

Lösung: A structured and well-reasoned essay addressing: - Message of the cartoon: Personal relations such as the choice of a spouse are increasingly impacted by external factors; even proposing to a partner involves credit checks and DNA profiling. - Potential impacts of technological developments: * Collection and spreading of personal data (consumer habits, health, mobility, food preferences). * Monitoring movements to fight crime and control pandemics. * Partner choice via algorithms and social media. * Healthier and longer lives through self-optimization, smart technology, and DNA screening. * Dangers of the 'transparent citizen', data phishing, hacking, surveillance, and corporate/state profiling. * Risk of manipulation through personalized ads and potential loss of privacy and freedom. - Concluding evaluation and reasoned personal assessment.