Here's how it works in a sentence:
"To what extent does technology influence our daily lives?"
This sentence doesn't just ask if technology influences our lives, it asks how much it influences them. The answer could be:
* A little: Technology has minimal impact.
* Moderately: Technology has some impact.
* Significantly: Technology has a major impact.
* Completely: Technology dictates our lives.
Here are some more examples:
* "To what extent are you responsible for the accident?" (Are you slightly, partially, or fully responsible?)
* "To what extent does this new policy affect small businesses?" (Does it have a minor, moderate, or major impact?)
* "To what extent is the government accountable for the current economic crisis?" (How much responsibility does the government bear?)
Essentially, "to what extent" invites a qualitative or quantitative evaluation of something's impact, influence, or validity.