Rapid Changes and Developments in the Field of Information Technology - Essay Example

The Negative Effects of Computer Technology

Rapid changes and developments in the field of information technology (IT) have transformed society in various ways. Recent developments of computer technology have enhanced speedy and efficient communications across the globe. Students and researchers also have tremendous opportunities to learn and connect with peers irrespective of distance barriers to social interactions (Buckingham, 2013, p. 1992). As such, this technological advancement has positively transformed societies and affected the lives of people in one way or another. However, the use of technology comes with costs that might negatively affect the lives of individuals in the society. The drawbacks of rapid technological development that could hinder its optimal utilization and maximum benefits include identity theft, internet bullying, terrorism, health issues, behavioral changes and violence, and hacking.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is one of the potential risks of using computer technology and the internet to conduct sensitive transactions on the web. Identity theft or fraud refers to the misappropriation of personal information to impersonate other individuals for self-interests and facilitation of fraudulent financial transactions (Jewkes, 2013, p. 29). For instance, fraudsters may use personal information such as bank and credit card details to access the bank accounts of individuals and steal their money or even take credit without the consent of the owners. Some fraudsters may also use the acquired personal information to impersonate victims and commit crimes with the assumed identity. Such cases pose social security threats to the use of technology that involves sharing of sensitive information through online platforms. However, malicious internet users can use various effective methods to prevent identity theft. For example, people should regularly check their credit card statements to identify any irregularities and discrepancies that may be associated with identity theft. Moreover, they should also avoid careless sharing of personal information that should remain confidential, such as social security numbers, credit card details, PINs, passwords, and usernames for sensitive accounts. By doing so, people can minimize cases of identity theft and its associated risks, and take full advantage of the benefits of technology.

Internet Bullying

Internet bullying is another negative impact of technological advancement in today’s society. Notably, this term refers to the social harassment of people perceived to be inferior to others in the community. According to Kowalski, Limber S., Limber S.P, & Agatston (2012), children are the primary victims of bullying by some senior members of the community who intend to take advantage of their innocence (p. 59). Internet bullying involves the use of online messaging platforms to send harassing and threatening messages to the ‘weak’ individuals in the community. Such actions lead to psychological torture and unnecessary victimization of people perceived to be socially inferior. Some sexual offenses and assaults have also been linked to cyber-bullying. Furthermore, many cases of suicides have been reported based on internet bullying and the associated use of technology meant to cause social harassment to the victims. However, this condition can be prevented by constant parent supervision of children while they use the internet. Psychological counseling is also necessary to support the victims of cyberbullying and prevent the implications of the effect. Subsequently, people can embrace the full utilization of technology without the fear of any harassment by the immoral individuals in society.

Terrorism and Radicalization

Technological development has also played a significant role in the modern acts of terrorism. Terrorism has become an issue of concern on the global scale due to the technological dynamics that allow faster and efficient communications globally. Technology provides numerous platforms where terrorists can use the web to access information about viable targets that meet their maximum casualties’ mission criteria. According to Torok (2013), attackers use the internet to buy illegal documents to gain access to different countries without facing restrictions. However, these technological aspects have been utilized by terrorist groups to launch attacks globally, thereby resulting in an increased threat of terror amongst nations that were once considered safe in past years. Terrorists also extend their activities through online social media platforms to spread propaganda and seek sympathizers to join their forces. By doing so, they persuade young people to join their recruitment exercises as well as the potential financiers of the groups. Notably, these activities increase the threat of terrorism worldwide with more youths joining these groups due to radicalization from online platforms (Torok, 2013, p. 56). It has also become challenging to prevent these attacks since terrorists may infiltrate and launch cyber-attacks on government systems, thus hindering the functioning of the security agencies. Therefore, governments should initiate social programs to inform society about terrorism on the web and prevent radicalization on the public domain.

Health Issues

Technological advancement has also been accompanied by health problems amongst various people in the society. The use of computers and other technological devices limits the time for physical exercises, thus posing health threats to modern society. People tend to spend most of their time indoors interacting with their television screens, computers, and other devices and minimal times engaging in outdoor activities as well as chores that involve physical exercises. Organizations have also integrated an extensive use of technology in the workplace to enhance their productivity. However, this move has led to health complications due to increased physical inactivity and other effects associated with the use of technological devices. For instance, obesity amongst some members of the community has been linked to physical inactivity due to the use of computers for extended periods of time (Bacigalupo et al., 2013 p. 102). Most people tend to spend hours on online platforms such as social media where they interact with friends and family members. On a different perspective, technological development has also led to the development of video games that attract the attention of a considerable number of people in society. Collectively, technological advancement and its applications has led to increased physical inactivity and other related health issues. Vision and hearing impairments have also been linked to staring at computer screens for extended periods of time and exposure to loud music and sounds.

Behavioral Changes and Violence

The recent development in the information technology field has also led to notable changes in behavioral characteristics of individuals as well as increased cases of violence. People may be exposed to diverse cultural practices across the world through platforms created through technology. Stone (2016) affirms that exposure to different practices tends to influence the social behavior, self-esteem, attitudes, and conduct of people (p. 1). For instance, television shows are designed to attract audiences with different interests. Therefore, such shows and movies may use scenes that are meant to attract a specific audience while at the same time illustrating the cultural diversity aspect of the film. Modern technology enables a faster transmission and viewing of such shows across all nations in the world. As a result, the continued watching of movies may influence the behavioral characteristics of some people, especially the young generation who may perceive some practices as morally upright and adopt them as one of their personality traits. Some scenes also involve violence and crime scenes as well as their portrayal as ethical practices. Stone (2016) also noted that people might develop these behaviors, which can result in increased cases of violence and other unacceptable behaviors in society (p. 1).

Hacking

Hacking has also been a negative implication of technological development in modern society. This method involves the illegal access to information through technical channels such as software programs, adware, and hands-on technical skills (Khan & Latiful Hoque, 2016, p. 274). Hackers may use the internet to illegally access the information systems of an organization and use the data for illegal purposes without the knowledge and consent of the institution. Typically, cybercriminals utilize the technological capabilities of modern devices and software to gain access to online personal accounts as well as those of established businesses to fulfill their self-interests. The commonly used hacking methods include internet phishing and packet sniffing. Consequently, these activities lead to an increased potential for a privacy breach and threaten the welfare of the victims as well. Occasionally, malicious internet users seek ransoms to restore hacked accounts to organizations of which they threaten to destroy the information or expose it to other parties. Despite these security challenges, there are technological methods to address the issue of hacking to avoid its replications and safeguard the welfare of individuals and organizations while surfing the internet. For example, firewalls, antiviruses, and automatic detection mechanisms have significantly reduced the threat of hacking in the public domain and prevented organizations from failure due to a critical information leak. Therefore, individuals and groups should use their best-suited method of protection from hacking to safeguard their welfare and privacy online as well as avoid the negative consequences associated with the activity.

All in all, it is clear that the advantages of technological development outweigh the potential risks of its use in the modern society. The rationale behind this argument is that technology has enhanced education, research, and social interactions of people globally. The technological evolution has also promoted a better experience in the social livelihoods of individuals by creating job opportunities and providing avenues that enable access to virtually all the information necessary to enhance the lives of people in society. Communication networks have also been strengthened globally through emails and other online messaging channels. Therefore, people should use the available methods to mitigate and minimize the negative implications of technological development such as identity theft, internet bullying, terrorism and radicalization, health issues, behavioral changes and violence, and hacking as well. By doing so, they will benefit from full utilization of technology for their life conveniences without regard to the negative impacts that do not add value to their lives.