Benefits of and Problems with Information, Entertainment, and Communication Technologies - Essay Example

The transformational effects have only grown by leaps and bounds during the decade, courtesy of innovations in the field of ICT, leading to the emergence of new industries – thus ushering in a new era populated by cyber citizens.

The promises and perils of hyperconnectivity are innumerable and discussed at length in the following sections.

The potential impact of ICT has led to the development and innovation across various disciplines including information systems, human-computer interaction, communication studies, and the like (Walsham et al; Dearden; and Mansell qtd. in Avgerou 1). Furthermore, it has also been widely established through research that Information and Communication technologies have contributed immensely towards the economic growth of nations, by enhancing productivity and blurring the geographic boundaries between nations (Piatkowski 39). ICT has blurred, not only the geographic boundaries but also greatly bridged the digital divide separating the disabled section of the population. It has opened up newer avenues for the disabled through sheer technological advancements, thus successfully managing to accommodate the previously neglected and segregated section of the population, within mainstream society. Various forms of telecommunication and entertainment tools such as text-to-voice based TRS which uses analog technology; voice carry-over technology for senior citizens with hearing disabilities; speech-to-text relay service for people with speech disabilities etc., among others have contributed immensely towards the well-being of people with disabilities (Simpson).

However, despite the varied benefits offered by information, entertainment, and communication technologies, the perils of excessive dependence on such technologies are manifold. One of the greatest challenges faced by users in the digital world includes privacy issues and identity theft. Violation of privacy has been one of the most significant enduring social issues associated with digital and electronic information technologies, globally (Nissenbaum 1). Also, there has been a rapid rise in cases involving the violation of intellectual property rights, digital rights management as well as blatant plagiarism (Cowhey, Aronson, Abelson 258) thus indicating the flip side of ICT.

In conclusion, this bold new era of hyper-connectivity promises to deliver significant benefits to society in almost all spheres of our lives, and alter the geographic and other limitations, thus allowing the free and uninterrupted exchange of information and ideas. The continued growth and innovation in the field of ICT are likely to propel global economic growth and promote greater and wider social ties than ever before.