Relationship between globalisation and digital forms of communication

Relationship between Globalisation and Digital Forms of Communication

Understanding Globalisation

  • Globalisation is the process by which businesses or other organisations develop international influence or begin operating on an international scale. It encompasses cultural, economic, political, and environmental interconnections and flow across the world.

Interplay between Globalisation and Digital Age

  • Digital forms of communication such as social media, email, and instant messaging have amplified the effects of globalisation. By reducing time and distance barriers, they have allowed for the instant global spread of information, ideas, and innovations.
  • The development of international media conglomerates like Google, Facebook, and Amazon have enabled rapid dispersion of culture and ideas, further enriching the process of globalisation.
  • Advances in digital technology have facilitated the development of ‘network societies’. These societies are based on online networks rather than physical geography, enabling individuals and groups to transcend national boundaries.

Impact in Economic Realm

  • Digital communication has significantly influenced global economic practices. E-commerce or online trading, facilitated by the digital world, provides global reach to businesses big and small.
  • The flow of financial capital has also been revolutionised through digital means. This includes instant global transactions and online banking, contributing to the intrinsic link of digital communication and globalisation.

Shifting Cultural Landscapes

  • Through digital forms of communication, cultures, ideologies, and values now effortlessly cross geographical borders. This phenomenon, often referred to as ‘cultural hybridity’ or ‘cultural globalisation’, leads to shared global culture thereby shaping a ‘global identity’.
  • Digital globalisation has played a fundamental role in the diffusion of global events, music, fashion, film, and television at an unprecedented scale.

Societal and Political implications

  • Social movements deploying digital communication tools can gain international attention and support, a prime example being the Arab Spring. This event showcases the democratising potential of the digital world.
  • However, the digital age also corresponds with risks such as ‘cyber warfare’ and ‘Digital divide’ whereby access to technology remains unequal globally. The digital divide enhances inequalities within and between societies.

Resistance and Counter-Globalisation

  • Groups opposing global cultural homogenisation deploy digital communication tools to forge transnational networks of resistance. Examples include anti-globalisation and environmental movements gaining global momentum through digital platforms.
  • On the other hand, global digital networks also enable the growth of ‘new nationalisms’ and indifference to multiculturalism, fuelling a divide in societies such as Brexit and rise of right-wing politics in the West.

In conclusion, the relationship between globalisation and digital forms of communication is intricate and multi-faceted. The digital age has undoubtedly enhanced the global interconnectivity, but it’s important to critically engage with potential downsides as well as benefits.