How do basic coding skills or simplistic hardware projects lend themselves to an improved understanding of the global effects of technology? For a writer concer

How do basic coding skills or simplistic hardware projects lend themselves to an improved understanding of the global effects of technology? For a writer concerned with the big picture, I imagine understanding the effect is more important than the cause (of code). Learning how to write a bit of code may improve his appreciation for technology, but I can't imagine it changing his (broad) opinions.