Plato’s dialogue “Apology,” Socrates

In Plato’s dialogue “Apology,” Socrates has been brought to trial for denying the gods of the state and corrupting the youth. Socrates defends himself by pointing out that he has provided a great service to Athens. What does Socrates mean when he claims that he is a gadfly? Do you think Socrates is providing an important service? Is examining one’s life as crucial as Socrates claims? Is examining society similarly important? Why or why not?