Media and Technology - Technological Globalization

Media and Technology SOCI 1306 Technological Globalization Over the past 20 years, technical globalization—which is greatly accelerated by technological diffusion, or the transfer of technology across borders—has made tremendous strides, leading to noteworthy advances in peripheral and semi-peripheral states. A World Bank report from 2008 highlights the advantages of this dissemination as well as the continuous difficulties that it presents. It emphasises the complex link between economic development rates and technical breakthroughs and makes the claim that technological advancements have made a substantial contribution to the reduction of absolute poverty. According to this connection, when technology develops, it not only raises economic production and productivity but also improves living conditions for the poorest people (World Bank 2008). The paper highlights that technology advancements may have a significant positive impact on even traditionally low-tech and rural industries like agriculture. For example, advances in agricultural technology, such as GM crops or sophisticated irrigation systems, can increase crop yields and food security. At the same time, the introduction of mobile banking technology has shown to revolutionise the lives of rural residents who work as low-tech market vendors. For small-business owners and farmers, these technologies make financial transactions, savings, and loan availability easier. Moreover, peripheral and semi-peripheral countries have been greatly impacted by technology advancements, especially in the area of mobile phones. Due to greater competition among service providers brought about by the widespread use of mobile phones, costs have decreased and accessibility has improved. A more educated and connected public has resulted from the gains brought forth by this competitive environment in related fields like information sharing and mobile banking. Additionally, mobile technology has made it possible to share important information about market pricing, education, and health, giving people the power to make more informed decisions. Notwithstanding these developments, the research also emphasises the enduring socioeconomic disparities that resemble the digital gap seen in more affluent countries such as the US. Internal digital gaps are a result of unequal adoption and use of technology in peripheral and semi-peripheral states. Although the use of technology has increased substantially worldwide, it is still unevenly distributed and disproportionately concentrated in metropolitan regions within these countries. Due to this gap, a sizable portion of the populace—especially those living in rural areas—does not have access to, or the training for, new technology that would enable them to reap their benefits. A major disadvantage for many inhabitants of peripheral nations, particularly those living in isolated and neglected areas, is the concentration of technology access in metropolitan centres. These areas frequently lack the resources and infrastructure required to facilitate technology integration, which exacerbates already-existing social and economic disparities. As a result, even if the spread of technology has the potential to alleviate many worldwide socioeconomic challenges, the digital divide frequently prevents the most vulnerable groups from benefiting from these developments. For instance, access to clean water is a major problem in many peripheral countries. Water purification technology has the potential to save many lives by guaranteeing clean drinking water and avoiding illnesses spread through the water supply. Nevertheless, the towns who require this kind of technology the most frequently lack access to it. They encounter a number of difficulties, such as inadequate funding to buy the technology, a lack of infrastructure to facilitate its application, and a low degree of technological knowledge that limits its usefulness. The contradiction that these circumstances bring to light is that the groups most likely to benefit from technological breakthroughs are simultaneously the least prepared to access and make use of them. Furthermore, national advancement as a whole may be hampered by the digital divide in peripheral and semi-peripheral countries. As technology becomes an indispensable component of economic growth, nations that do not guarantee broad access to and literacy in technology risk falling behind in the global economy. These countries may find it more difficult to catch up as a result of a vicious cycle where technical disparity feeds into wider economic and social divides. To tackle these obstacles, a diverse strategy is needed. In order to provide underserved communities with access to technology, infrastructural investment is essential. This comprises educational infrastructure to advance technical knowledge and skills in addition to physical infrastructure such as energy and internet access. Governments, non-governmental organisations, and businesses must work together to develop and execute policies that support fair technology dissemination. Financial tools like low-interest loans or subsidies can assist lower the cost of technology for those with low incomes. Furthermore, it is crucial to provide customised technology solutions that take into account the unique requirements and environments of peripheral and semi-peripheral countries. Innovations must to be made with the user's comfort and adaptability to different degrees of technical knowledge and comfort in mind. For example, mobile applications with userfriendly interfaces and important services offered in regional languages can greatly increase acceptance and usage rates in rural areas. Furthermore, encouraging local enterprise and innovation helps advance sustainable technological advancement. Providing support to local startups and innovators who are aware of the particular possibilities and difficulties in their communities can result in the development of more pertinent and efficient technical solutions. Promoting the creation of technology that deal with particular regional problems—like economical renewable energy sources or farming implements intended for small-scale farmers—can significantly enhance livelihoods and lower poverty. In the end, technology dissemination has enormous potential for raising living standards around the world and resolving social issues, but its advantages can only materialise if steps are taken to close the digital gap that exists both inside and between countries. Achieving inclusive and sustainable development requires making sure that everyone, regardless of geography or socioeconomic position, has access to and benefits from technology breakthroughs. The difficulty is in fostering an atmosphere in which technology can advance fairly, giving everyone access to the resources and tools they need to prosper in an increasingly digital society.