The Impact of ICT In A Developing World.
One may ask “What impact does ICT (Information & Communication Technology), have in a developing world?” Well, that’s a good question. First of all, we must establish what ICT really is.
ICT (Information & Communication Technology) refers to technologies that provide access to information via telecommunications. Not to be confused with IT (Information Technology), though similar, but ICT focuses primarily on communication technologies. It includes the internet, wireless networks, cell phones & other communication mediums which enable users to access, store, transmit & manipulate data.
Over the years, this developing world has been, becoming more and more advanced in the technological arena, at a very rapid paste. So widespread, that it affects our entire lives; the way we see everything & the way we live. Technologies included in ICT (Information & Communication Technology), are transforming the very way interaction is done, between people, government & businesses globally. Interaction is more swift & efficient because of the available tools provided by ICT such as e-mail, Instant Messaging, Skype, Social Networks, and Cellular Phones etc. Knowledge and services are accessible and shareable, worldwide, even in rural and poor areas. Productivity level has increased and markets work more efficiently, since the introduction of ICT.
However, while being good and helpful ICT also has some negative impact in the world. Due to ICT, human labor is slowly being diminished. Their work is being replaced by computers, and so contributes to the rising unemployment problem. Family life is also affected by ICT; members exchange spending time with each other for being isolated to the computer. Many people get sick, RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury), Eye Strain etc., by the use of ICT products. The environment is affect by very toxic elements/chemicals used to
References: 1. “2009 Information and Communications for Development: Extending Reach and Increasing Impact” by World Bank. Retreived from http://books.google.dm/books?hl=en&lr=&id=_5DL8RXJUbgC&oi=fnd&pg=PR11&dq=impact+of+information+%26+communication+technology+on+the+developing+world&ots=KB4j4pXL2O&sig=VqycXPhr8_S67vUiqnhUtewYR88&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=impact%20of%20information%20%26%20communication%20technology%20on%20the%20developing%20world&f=false 2. Christine Zhen-Wei Qiang, Senior Economist, Global ICT Department, World Bank Group. Retreived from http://live.worldbank.org/information-communications-technology-development 3. Bruny, Maño, Nicolás, Martha CBC March 2012 ICT (Technology). Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/CJ900/health-issues-of-ict