Social Impact of Digital Technology

Digital technology pertains to applications, resources and devices that generate, store or process data.
This technology profoundly influences societal structures and systems, bringing about changes that shape the way people live and interact.
Examples include social networking platforms facilitating global communication, smart devices increasing interconnectivity, or online gaming platforms creating virtual communities.

Access to information: The internet offers vast amounts of information, increasing the general public’s knowledge base.
Communication: Digital technology facilitates instant communication through social media, video call services, and instant messaging.
Education: Online resources, digital textbooks, and e-learning platforms have revolutionised education, providing opportunities for remote learning and self-paced studying.
Civic engagement: Social media can be a tool for civic engagement, allowing for wide-scale mobilisation and dissemination of information.
Digital inclusion: Once restricted due to factors like geography and disability, digital technology now offers many individuals greater accessibility and participation.

Cyberbullying: The rise in digital technology also brings malicious online behaviour, impacting mental health.
Data privacy: With the increased use of digital technology, concerns around data privacy and online surveillance have surfaced.
Digital divide: Despite advancements, a digital divide persists due to economic and geographic disparities in technology accessibility.
Impersonal communications: Over-reliance on digital forms of communication can lead to a lack of face-to-face social interaction and feelings of isolation.

Mitigation of Negative Impact

Education and awareness: Promoting safe online behaviours and understanding of privacy settings can curb cyberbullying and privacy infringements.
Policies and regulations: Appropriate laws like the Data Protection Act (2018) and the GDPR can safeguard against data misuse.
Public and private initiatives: Initiatives can tackle the digital divide, such as providing affordable internet access or digital literacy programs.
Encourage and facilitate off-screen activities and in-person communications to reduce isolating effects of digital technology.

As creators and developers of digital technologies, computer scientists have a responsibility to consider the social impact.
They can work to ensure inclusive design, making technology accessible for all.
They can promote privacy by design, incorporating robust security measures into technology to safeguard data.
They should aim for transparency in algorithms to prevent biased or discriminatory outcomes.
They can advocate for ethical considerations in their organisations and within the wider tech industry.