How did the strong economy that emerged during the Reagan years affect social change in the 1980s? Government programs that protected the environment grew. New technology created a demand for new products. Increased funding for social programs helped Americans. Diseases such as AIDS became less of a problem.

During the Reagan years, the strong economy had several impacts on social change in the 1980s. Among the options provided, the most relevant effect was:<br /><br />**New technology created a demand for new products.**<br /><br />The economic policies of the Reagan administration, often referred to as "Reaganomics," focused on tax cuts, deregulation, and reducing government spending. This environment fostered innovation and technological advancement, leading to the emergence of new technologies and products. The growth of industries such as computing and telecommunications during this period significantly influenced consumer behavior and societal trends.<br /><br />The other options are less directly related to the economic changes of the time:<br /><br />- **Government programs that protected the environment grew:** While environmental awareness was increasing, the Reagan administration was known for rolling back some environmental regulations, so this option is not accurate.<br /> <br />- **Increased funding for social programs helped Americans:** In fact, there were cuts to many social programs during the Reagan years as part of efforts to reduce government spending.<br /> <br />- **Diseases such as AIDS became less of a problem:** The AIDS crisis actually worsened during the 1980s, and it was a significant public health issue that required increased attention and resources.