Positive and Negative Impacts of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT)

Positive and Negative Impacts of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT)

By: Nellie Tanglib

            ICT or the Information and Communications Technology, is known to be one of which that allows individuals and organizations to interact with each other in the digital world through a device, system, and systems. In addition, ICT involves processing and distribution of data using computer hardware and software, and other digital devices. Also, ICT includes the use of any communication device like that of the radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems to interact with other people around the world. On the other hand, Information and Communications Technologies for Development, as defined by Margaret Rouse, is an initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide (the disparity between technological "have" and "have not" geographic locations or demographic groups) and aiding economic development by ensuring equitable access to up-to-date communications technologies.

            ICT greatly affects the learning process in today’s generation. Education system is changing rapidly due to the new innovations in ICT which has led to “Knowledge society also called the “knowledge and information society” (Krystyna Górniak –Kocikowska, 2007). ICT, in this sense, bring about information literacy which allows students to discover how information and knowledge affect their lives, and their environment. Also, ICT enables students to access information, and learn how to apply such information and knowledge on their daily lives. Internet, on the other hand, allows information sharing and access easier through online books, journals, and other related materials. ICT also paved way to the possibility of learning even without a teacher involved in the learning process.  However, ICT also has a negative impact in education. Given that information can be accessed easily, it then leads to increased plagiarism acts among students. Another is, reading materials are now found to be irrelevant with the presence of online or electronic reading materials.

            Moreover, ICT, made possible the access to E-journals and E-books through E-Libraries in which knowledge and information is widely available. With the provision of different repositories of literature, various forms of literature present on the internet leads the difficulty in choosing what type of information there is. Also, the availability of such amount of information increases the possibility of plagiarism and other related cases.

ICT, on the other hand, offers new or improved technology to disseminate and share knowledge. Also, ICT made possible the provision of online services instead of personal contact. An example for this is the online application for Civil Service examinations, and online shopping. With this, personal appearance and/or contact is lessened. However, in terms of online shopping, problems like that of bogus buyers and sellers are most likely to happen. Online application, in a way, paved the way to the elimination of personal contact and travel related processes. However, in some cases, this involves the provision of fake information at some points. The self-involvement in this process is eliminated which may lead to identity thief at times.

             

Reference:  

    

ANONYMOUS. n.d. Positive and Negative Impacts of ICT on Society. Retrieved on January 2018 from https://fatin93.wordpress.com/positive-and-negative-impact-of-ict-on-society/

BHANDARI, L. n.d. information and Communications Technology for Development. Retrieved online from https://www.academia.edu/24427874/INFORMATION-COMMUNICATIONS-TECHNOLOGY-FOR-DEVELOPMENT/

MENDOZA, A. 2001. Globalization, ICT, and the future of the Philippine Nation-State. Retrieved online from http://users.tpg.com.au/buss/120.htm

NOSMIK, K. n.d. Impact of ICT in Education, Entertainment, Development, Governance/Politics & Industry. Retrieved on January 2018 from http://www.academia.edu/5066850/IMPACT_OF_ICT_IN_EDUCATION_ENTERTAINMENT_DEVELOPMENT_GOVERNANCE_POLITICS_AND_INDSTRY

ROUSE, M. n.d. ICT4D (Information and Communications Technologies for Development). Retrieved online from WhatIs.com