Module Midterms
Module Midterms
The Digital Age, also known as the Information Age, is the era in human history characterized by
the widespread adoption and integration of digital technology in daily life, industry, and governance. It
marks a transition from traditional industrial economies—where production was largely based on physical
goods and manual labor—to an economy centered around information, data processing, and advanced
computing.
This era began in the mid-20th century, following rapid advancements in computing,
telecommunications, and digital storage. Unlike previous periods in history, where progress was defined
by tangible resources such as coal, steel, and machinery, the Digital Age is driven by intangible assets such
as data, algorithms, and connectivity. Information is now one of the most valuable commodities, shaping
everything from commerce and entertainment to politics and education.
The rise of computer technology, the internet, and mobile communications has profoundly
influenced how societies function, communicate, and conduct business. Organizations now rely on digital
infrastructure for operations, decision-making, and global connectivity. The way individuals interact has
also transformed, with social media, instant messaging, and cloud-based platforms enabling instant global
communication.
Furthermore, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are redefining productivity and efficiency,
leading to innovations in fields such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and education. The growing
reliance on big data, cybersecurity, and machine learning also highlights the complexity and significance
of the Digital Age.
As this era continues to evolve, it brings both opportunities and challenges. While digital
advancements improve efficiency and accessibility, they also raise concerns about privacy, data security,
misinformation, and the digital divide—the gap between those with and without access to technology.
In summary, the Digital Age represents a transformative period where technology reshapes nearly every
aspect of human life. Its development is ongoing, continuously shaping the future of economies, societies,
and personal interactions worldwide.
This transformation has led to a knowledge-based economy, were information and innovation
drive growth. Businesses now prioritize technology, software, and digital communication, making data
valuable resource. The rapid spread of the internet, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing continues
to shape modern industries, influencing how people work, interact, and access information.
Major Innovations
1. The Rise of Personal Computing
The 1980s witnessed the emergence of personal computers (PCs), making computing power
accessible to individuals and small businesses. The launch of the Apple Macintosh in 1984 introduced a
user-friendly graphical interface, setting a precedent for future personal computing devices.
2. The Internet and World Wide Web
The commercialization of the internet in the 1990s, coupled with the development of user-
friendly web browsers like Netscape Navigator, made the World Wide Web accessible to the general
public. This period saw an explosion of websites and online services, fundamentally changing how people
access information and communicate.
3. Development of social media and Cloud Computing
The 2000s introduced platforms that transformed online interaction and data management.
o Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, launched in 2004, redefined social interaction by
enabling users to connect and share content globally. Social media has become integral
to personal communication, marketing, and information dissemination.
o Cloud Computing: This technology allows users to store and access data and applications
over the internet instead of on local hardware. Cloud computing has facilitated scalable
resources, cost efficiency, and flexibility in data management, becoming a backbone for
modern services and applications.
Unit 2: The ICT and its Role in Social Change & Global Digital Development
Social Change
Information Communications Technology (ICT) has the power to transform society. ICT is defined
as a group of interrelated technologies (electronic devices) for accessing, processing, and disseminating
information. It is a system of electronic networks activated through complex hardware and software
systems linked by a vast array of technical protocols. ICTs are indisputably an important part of our social
setting today. The term ICTs has been used to embrace technological innovation and merging in
information and communication transforming our world into information or knowledge societies. The
rapid development of these technologies has fainted the boundaries between information,
communication, and various types of media.
The development of a society mostly depends on access to information. The Information and
Communication Technologies (ICTs) greatly ease the flow of information and knowledge offering the
socially marginalized community an extraordinary chance to attain their own rights socially, economically,
educationally, and politically. Despite ICT’s massive potential, the current global information outburst has
had surprisingly little impact on development activities and access to practical information for rural
communities, local people, and forefront development workers in developing countries. The emergence
of Internet, World Wide Web, mobile cell phones, digital television, and several other new electronic
devices pertaining information and communication technologies (ICTs) are opening a fresh passageway
for transforming the way we live, work, learn, communicate and also provides a strategic opportunity of
diverse and significant social and economic benefits to people across the globe. It also enables financial
inclusion through commerce and allows people to connect with millions instantaneously.
Social change refers to a transformation of culture and social organizations/structures over time.
We are aware that in a modern world, a society is never static and that of social, political, economic, and
cultural changes occur constantly. The social transformations that could result from the increasing use of
ICTs depend strangely on verdicts made by organizations and individuals outside our household, many of
whom have great economic leverage, political power or technical expertise. To increase the consent
potential of ICTs, it is important to understand some of their basic features, which make them a unique
kind of technologies.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become a key driver of social change globally.
By enabling faster and broader communication, providing platforms for social engagement, and
facilitating access to vital resources, ICT plays a crucial role in transforming societies and empowering
individuals to advocate for social, political, and economic reforms.
Global digital development requires collaboration between governments, private sector, NGOs, and
international organizations to build the necessary infrastructure, policies, and skills that enable inclusive,
technology-driven growth and progress.
Various global ICT initiatives aim to bridge the digital divide, enhance access to technology, and
leverage ICT for development. These initiatives focus on increasing infrastructure, improving digital
literacy, and supporting technology adoption across nations.
1. The UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The United Nations recognizes ICT’s role in
achieving its SDGs, particularly Goal 9, which focuses on building resilient infrastructure,
promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. ICT is central to
achieving goals related to education, health, gender equality, and economic growth (UNDP, 2019).
2. Internet for All by the World Economic Forum: The Internet for All initiative aims to connect the
unconnected by expanding access to affordable, high-speed internet in underserved areas.
Through public-private partnerships, this initiative focuses on building the necessary
infrastructure to increase internet penetration, especially in developing regions (World Economic
Forum, 2020).
3. The Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT): DOT focuses on empowering youth and women through ICT
education and skills development. The program has trained thousands of young people and
women in digital literacy, helping them access better employment opportunities and contributing
to economic development in their communities (Digital Opportunity Trust, 2021).
4. The Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI): A4AI advocates for policies that promote affordable
internet access in developing countries. The initiative works with governments, companies, and
civil society organizations to reduce the cost of internet services and increase connectivity,
especially in low-income and rural areas (A4AI, 2018).
ICT’s Impact on Different Nations
The impact of ICT on development varies across countries depending on factors such as infrastructure,
economic conditions, and government policies. Below is an analysis of ICT’s effects on different nations:
1. Developed Nations (e.g., United States, Germany): In developed countries, ICT drives innovation,
economic growth, and efficiency. The widespread use of technology in industries such as
manufacturing, finance, and healthcare has improved productivity and created new economic
sectors, like the digital economy and tech startups. Moreover, ICT supports democratic
engagement and transparency through digital platforms (Brynjolfsson & McAfee, 2014).
2. Emerging Economies (e.g., India, Brazil): In emerging economies, ICT is crucial in reducing poverty
and promoting economic development. India’s success in outsourcing and the growth of its digital
economy are examples of ICT’s transformative role in job creation. Similarly, in Brazil, ICT
initiatives have improved educational access and public services, contributing to social mobility
(Mansell & Wehn, 1998). However, challenges such as digital literacy, infrastructure gaps, and
regulatory issues persist in these regions.
3. Developing Nations (e.g., Kenya, Bangladesh): ICT’s impact is most profound in developing
nations, where it has transformed education, healthcare, and access to government services. In
Kenya, mobile technology, particularly M-Pesa, revolutionized financial services by enabling
mobile money transfers and access to banking for the unbanked population. In Bangladesh, the
use of ICT in agriculture has improved productivity by providing farmers with timely information
about weather patterns and market prices (Aker & Mbiti, 2010).
4. Least Developed Countries (e.g., Afghanistan, Haiti): In least developed countries, ICT plays a
vital role in improving access to essential services and connecting individuals to global information
networks. However, challenges such as poor infrastructure, low literacy rates, and political
instability hinder the potential benefits of ICT. International aid and initiatives like the UN's
"Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries" aim to bridge these gaps by providing
technology solutions and capacity building (UNCTAD, 2017).
Technological Change
Technological change means the technical knowledge used in the production of capital and
machinery. The various changes in technology leads to an increase in the productivity of labor, capital and
other production factors. Technological progress comprises of creation of skill, new means of production,
new uses of raw materials and the widespread use of machinery.
The technology is the most powerful means of wresting power from nature in all possible ways.
It strengthens the facilities of man. Prof. Frankel assumes that the, “Technological change is not a mere
improvement in the technical know-how. It means much more than this. It should be preceded by
sociological change also, a willingness and desire on the part of community to modify their social, political
and administrative institutions so as to make them fit with new techniques of production and faster tempo
of economic activity.” Technology, according to J. P. Dewhurts, in fact, can be thought of as the change in
the production process of material and human skills.
Theories in Technology
Technological Determinism
It is the theory which strongly believe that technology shapes the culture, values, social structures
of a society. The main reason why society progresses is because of the kind technology the society has.
Technological innovation is the cause of the social progress. The technology has the control over the
society --- over human actions, culture and values. Technology greatly influences human thought and
action. In other words, the society is changing because of technology. According to Winner, technology is
not the slave of the human being but rather humans are slaves to technology as they are forced to adapt
to the technological environment that surrounds them.
Example. The Medium is the Message by Marshall McLuhan. The technology which is used
as a channel of communication matter more than the content.
Example. The invention of the stirrup. It is the foot support for horse-riders. Before its invention,
riders were not able to use swords while riding in a horse because they may lose balance. When the stirrup
was invented, it enabled armored knights to fight on horseback. Because of this, it brought the
development of feudal societies --- a military rule by nobles or lords
Example. The invention of gun. Before, the weapons used were swords and archery --- soldiers
had to be skilled and trained in using these weapons. But a new invention in technology changed it all. A
gun was invented which require a less effort and can be used even from far distances. This technology
changed the way soldiers are trained. It also changed how soldiers fight in a war.
Social Constructivism
Social Constructivism is the opposite of the Technological Determinism. Social Constructivism
believes that humans play a main role in shaping technology rather than technology shaping society. It
believes that technology does not determine human action, but rather, human action shapes the
technology. Our curiosity, the hunger to expand, and the need to do things efficiently drive us to create
these technologies.
Schumpeter has distinguished between invention and innovation. Invention implies the discovery of new
techniques while innovation is practical application of invention in production for the market. It may be
called commercialization that originates from scientific advancement. Invention is a scientific fact while
innovation is an economic fact.
Inventions are carried on by the inventor's large capital investments at every stage as it needs not only a
scientific attitude but an attitude of the community and an entrepreneurial skill of high order with the
ability to understand the possibilities of employing scientific incentives for commercial purposes
Social evolution refers to the gradual development of human societies through technological,
economic, and cultural changes. With the rapid advancement of Information Technology (IT), society has
undergone significant transformations in communication, business, education, and governance. This
document explores key aspects of IT-driven social evolution, including digital transformation, artificial
intelligence, the metaverse, and cybersecurity.
1. Digital Transformation: Impact on Business & Daily Life
Digital transformation is the process of integrating digital technologies into all aspects of
business and daily activities. It enhances efficiency, connectivity, and innovation but also raises
concerns about job displacement and privacy.
Examples of Digital Transformation:
• Work: Remote jobs, freelancing, virtual meetings (Zoom, Slack, Microsoft Teams).
• Commerce: E-commerce platforms (Amazon, Shopee, Lazada), digital payment systems.
• Education: Online learning (Coursera, Google Classroom, Zoom).
• Government Services: E-governance, online tax filing, digital identity systems.
Conclusion
Social evolution in the digital era is driven by technological advancements that impact work,
communication, commerce, and security. While these changes bring innovation and efficiency, they also
pose challenges related to ethics, job security, and digital privacy. Understanding these transformations
helps individuals and organizations adapt to the evolving digital landscape.
References