Current development in information technology has proved to be beneficial especially due to the fact that it has stimulated development in different sectors. Nevertheless, by focusing on the problems that have resulted from the same, it is easier to conclude that it has resulted in more problems than the solutions. Additionally, most of the positive changes in society are not a direct result of information technology. However, it is important to note that were it not for the development in information technology, it would have been difficult to realize such changes. The human activity that spurs development and solutions to problems is dependent on information technology. For instance, the current development in telecommunication has been so beneficial especially in the current area of computer networking. Some areas in information technology like genetic engineering and software development are also leading to major developments (United Nations Research Institute for Social Development, 1996 ). Without negating the fact information technology has resulted in some problems, this paper argues for the fact that it has caused more solutions than problems.
It is important to understand the meaning of development in information technology to be in a position to understand the solutions that have come up due to the same. Information technology is used to refer to the development of information systems that is supported by computers. It is characterized by the development of new software applications as well hardware programs. It does not only affect all sectors of the economy but also social and political life. Although there are some problems that have resulted from the development in computer technology, there are several advantages of the same, especially in the business sector. For instance, it is easier to produce and manipulate sensitive information and to conduct various business professes due to efficiency and effectiveness in the communication sector.
A critical analysis of the problems associated with the development of information technology reveals that such problems are incomparable with the benefits of the same. For instance, in the business sector, as studies of Wyatt & Phillips, (2005) illustrate, most of the employees use internet and web services for their own social purposes. In this age of the internet, employers argue that many employees misuse internet services that are supposed to be used for work purposes. However, even in such cases, there are more solutions than problems. To begin with, the social life of employees is very important and ought to be taken care of. Therefore, the presence of such services can lead to increased productivity since such services make employees live more fulfilled lives. In addition, since employees must interact socially, they may end up using more time in absence of developed means of communication (Kim, Jeong, & Lee, 2010).
It is true that there are some problems that are associated with information technology but they are not directly caused by the same. For instance, the loss of jobs has been a problem that has attracted a lot of concern from the public. In most of the developing nations, most citizens lack enough skills and knowledge to be able to fit in the developed sectors of the economy. As a result, the organizations and the industries are left with no alternative other than to employ people from other countries who possess the required skills. It is true that there is a lack of jobs but the problem is not information technology but other underlying causes. Therefore, the inability of the region to adapt to the changes of the information technology results in such problems (Wyatt & Phillips, 2005).
Globalization is one of the changes that have resulted from the development of information technology since currently; all the capital markets in the whole world are connected. Although there are some problems of globalization like the formation of a global culture which has several advantages and disadvantages, the current world requires globalization and the impacts of the same. Even if there are many factors that may have led to globalization, information technology has contributed greatly since through it, it has been possible to reduce or eliminate some barriers that hinder interaction like geographical and language barriers. In view of the fact that globalization results in a development in all sectors, it is then explicit that information technology has been beneficial in many ways and therefore, the problems of the same do not carry much weight.
Focusing on the business sector reveals that information technology has contributed to more solutions than problems. To begin with, information technology has resulted in increased productivity which results in increased returns. This is due to the fact that effective and easier means of communication enable people to interact and exchange business ideas. In addition, it is not only easy to sell and market products in the international market, but it is possible for people to move from one country to another in search of better job opportunities. Such positive changes result from new developments in the communication sectors which include instant messaging, emails and mobile phone technology, to name just a few.
In the education sector, many people have argued that information technology causes a lack of skills especially interpersonal and interactive skills caused by increased use of computers during learning. However, it is important to note that the initial problems related to the inaccessibility of information have been solved since it is possible to access internet facilities without any discrimination whatsoever. Moreover, information on the internet is presented in such a manner that any type of student can be able to access including the physically challenged. The use of smart boards and technologically improved dictionaries helps learners and educators to overcome the initial learning difficulties.
It is true that due to information technology, some jobs in an organization are actually done away with. For instance, data in an organization is managed in one central office and the use of certain computer application software may reduce the need of people to manage data and records. However, on the other hand, it is important to point out that there are some important jobs that are a result of development in information technology. For example, there are new careers that are a result of information technology like web designers, system developers, developers of hardware and software as well as computer programmers, to name just a few. Such new careers help to solve the long-lasting problem of employment. In addition, since information technology makes it easier for businesses to be started and to flourish, opportunities for self-employment also increase (Crystal, 1996).
The study has indicated that concluding that development in information technology has resulted in more problems than solutions is an understatement. Nevertheless, that does not mean that there are no problems of the same. For instance, various areas have been affected positively and negatively. Socially, it has been possible to interact easily with each other but on the other hand, some social evils like pornography have increased due to the same. In the business sector, there are more solutions that have eventually resulted in increased productivity. The communication sector has been revolutionized by development in information technology and has caused significant solutions in other sectors.
Reference List
Crystal, D. 1996. Internet Language. Web.
Kim, W., Jeong, O. & Lee, S. 2010. On social Web sites. Information Systems, 35 (2), pp. 215-236.
United Nations Research Institute for Social Development. 1999. Information Technology, Globalization and Social Development. UNRISD Discussion Paper No. 114. Geneva, Switzerland.
Wyatt, K., & Phillips, G. J. 2005. Internet Use and Misuse in the Work Place. Proceedings of OZCHI 2005. Canberra, Australia.