Information Technology and Contemporary Social Change Essay

Information Technology and Contemporary Social Change - Essay Example By 2000, it became obvious that another major upheaval was taking place in society-the electronic or information revolution. The growth of the Internet between 1990 and 2000 was phenomenal, and at present shows no signs of decreasing. An overview makes it apparent that information technology (IT) and the resulting electronic advances determine social change throughout the planet as noted below: The business world now extends throughout the global community, and any business which does not have its own Web site is apt to fail. It is also a time when entrepreneurs are able to work on computers from home to earn money. With online shopping and eBay, all needs are anticipated, from the largest department stores to an individual selling on eBay. No longer is society isolated in pockets of communities; ease of travel has made the whole world accessible. In addition, information technology has linked the public to government, non-government, and private agencies where information can be downloaded without having to leave home. This is especially true in the United Kingdom. Every issue of concern to UK residents has a main Government site with several links to various issues and strategies. For instance, if one wishes to find information on poverty as a social illness, it is available at the following Web site: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/social_exclusion_task_force/ Less one-on-one personal contact with increase in IT communication It is obvious that anyone dependent on use of a computer will have less personal contact with individuals. Even as world travel becomes less and less complicated, people are becoming more and more isolated. Watch the person traveling to a resort and sitting at a table all alone with a wireless computer open in front of him or her rather than striking up a conversation with other visitors from all over the world. E-mails offer quick, brief communication as a method of connecting with another person, but they don't lend themselves to long discussions and personal interaction with friends and relatives. Some people become so addicted to online discussion groups that they spend all their free time engaged in mindless chatter, and some use chat groups as therapy sessions or a way to communicate with others who share similar interests. There are an overwhelming number of chat groups available on the Internet, from how to use a business program called SharePoint to communications with fell ow cat lovers. Google offers information on every subject, but information is not always correct. Using the Internet to research a paper or find a specific product has many benefits, but the important factor is the source of information-whether or not it is reliable. For research purposes, the priority for a researcher is to access several sites regarding an issue and make a decision based on personal understanding of the material. For product reliability and best price, it is necessary to explore the same product from several