did harry houdini affect technology, culture, economy and government?

Answer 1

He did affect the technology and culture of his day, but not so much as a magician.

He launched his own campaign against the psychics and mediums of his day. He exposed a number of influential and wealthy mediums as frauds.
Some of the mediums were used by the rich and powerful of the day, he brought them down, making a difference in culture and society.

He came up with a number of devices to catch them in the act and he exposed a number of devices they used, so he made a minor impact on technology.