13/12/2022
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are those tools necessary for information processing, especially the use of computers, communication devices and software applications to convert, store, protect, process, transmit and retrieve information from anywhere at any time. It is a new concept and a new technical field formed by the fusion of information technology and communication technology.
In today's society, the importance of measuring communication with ICT is huge as it affects sectors such as education or relationships. For example, it affects new ways of learning and education, healthcare, new ways of socializing, etc. The development of new technology has always tested on answering one question: how can this help humankind? After all, when the internet was invented, it was initially used as a way to share information between researchers in an office. But now, it has become an almost living specimen of its own, one that continues to grow and expand as more people continue to go online.
Because of the dynamic nature of the concepts, methods and applications that ICT encompasses while ICT is still evolving, its importance cannot be defined. ICT affects almost every aspect of everyday life and has become one of the highest priorities in both formal and non-formal education. Its scope is not limited to the field of education, as ICTs have become key factors in culture, economy and politics, and they have a profound impact on the world's population even in remote and underdeveloped regions that do not directly use technology.
The role of ICT in promoting economic growth is:
(1) manifested in the development of the ICT industry itself, that is, the productivity of ICT products and service sectors first increases
(2) manifested in the application of ICT products in various industries, which promotes the ICT investment of enterprises in various sectors of the national economy ;
(3) the development of the ICT industry and the wide application of ICT technology have improved the structure of various sectors of the national economy; (4) the wide application of ICT technology has promoted the improvement of social labor productivity.
ICT also has a great impact to our society. In all walks of life, transactions become easy, fast, and reliable like in sending messages, money transfer, delivery of services, relief and rescue operations providing early warning in case of disasters and calamities to ensure safety of the society. But we cannot conclude that ICT only produce advantages to the society, it also has disadvantages. It can be a distraction, detract students from social interactions, and can foster cheating.
In this generation, people are dependent on the internet. Like how people socialise face to face, we should follow etiquettes at all times as it mirrors our personality. Being on different platforms, we should be aware of our actions and protect ourselves at the same time. The main goal of ICT is to empower individuals and become independent for the betterment of society. The technological revolution has profoundly changed many aspects of everyday life, facilitating communication, socialization, and the development of long-distance relationships.
-Zaenab Nicollai H. Bulala
