The Influence of Digital Technologies on Society

Technology has the potential to contribute to the creation of a more equitable, peaceful, and just world. The advancement of digital technology has the potential to promote and expedite the fulfillment of each of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals. These goals include the elimination of extreme poverty, the reduction of maternal and infant mortality, the promotion of sustainable farming and respectful labor, and the realization of universal literacy. However, technology may also pose a danger to individuals’ privacy, undermine security, and exacerbate inequality. These changes have repercussions for human rights and the agency of individuals. In the same way that previous generations did, we, as people, corporations, and governments, have the ability to choose how we implement and oversee the management of emerging technology.

Over the course of only twenty years, digital technologies have expanded at a rate that is faster than any other breakthrough in our history. They have reached around fifty percent of the population in developing countries, and they have completely transformed civilizations. Technology has the potential to be a tremendous equalizer since it can contribute to increased connection, financial inclusion, access to commerce, and public services.

For instance, artificial intelligence-enabled frontier technologies are assisting in the diagnosis of illnesses, the extension of life expectancy, and the saving of lives in the medical field. In the field of education, the advent of virtual learning environments and distant learning has made it possible for students who would have been excluded from programs otherwise to participate. Through the use of blockchain-powered systems, public services are also becoming more accessible and accountable, and they are becoming less onerous from a bureaucratic standpoint as a consequence of the support of artificial intelligence.In addition, massive amounts of data may help support policies and programs that are more responsive and accurate.

Those who have not yet been linked, on the other hand, continue to be excluded from the advantages of this new period and continue to fall more behind. Many of the individuals that are left behind include women, the elderly, people with disabilities, people who are members of ethnic or linguistic minorities, indigenous populations, and those who live in places that are economically disadvantaged or geographically distant. There are several constituencies that are seeing a slowdown or even reversal in the rate of connection. To provide just one example, the percentage of women who use the internet is twelve percent lower than the percentage of males who do so worldwide. In spite of the fact that this disparity dropped in the majority of areas between 2013 and 2017, it grew in the least developed nations, going from thirty percent to thirty two percent.

When they operate on the basis of data that is not sufficiently varied, algorithms have the potential to reproduce and even magnify human and systemic bias. This is because algorithms act on the basis of data. This problem may not be successfully addressed if the technology industry does not have enough people of different backgrounds working in it.

THE WORKING WORLD IN THE FUTURE
Technological revolutions have had a significant impact on the labor force throughout history. These revolutions have resulted in the creation of new forms and patterns of employment, the elimination of others, and the emergence of larger social shifts. The tsunami of change that is now occurring is going to have significant repercussions. According to estimates provided by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the transition to a greener economy has the potential to generate 24 million new jobs across the globe by the year 2030. This could be accomplished through the implementation of environmentally responsible practices in the energy sector, the utilization of electric vehicles, and the enhancement of energy efficiency in both existing and future buildings.

In the meanwhile, surveys and studies from organizations such as McKinsey indicate that the majority of workers are concerned that they do not possess the requisite training or abilities to get a job that pays well. This is despite the fact that the majority of workers are concerned that they will lose their employment to automation by the year 2030.

There is widespread consensus that in order to effectively manage these trends, we will need to make adjustments to the way we approach education. For example, we could place a greater emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; we could teach people soft skills and resilience; and we could make sure that people are able to gain new skills and improve their existing ones throughout their entire lives. Unpaid jobs, such as watching children or providing care for elderly people in their own homes, will need improved assistance. This is particularly true in light of the fact that the demands placed on these duties are anticipated to rise as the age profile of populations throughout the world continues to evolve.

WHAT LIES Ahead for Data
Today, digital technologies like as data pooling and artificial intelligence are used to monitor and diagnose problems in the fields of agriculture, health, and the environment. Additionally, these technologies are utilized to carry out routine chores such as navigating traffic or paying bills. They may be used to protect and exercise human rights, but they can also be used to violate such rights. For instance, they can be used to monitor our movements, purchases, conversations, and behaviors. There is a growing availability of technologies that enable governments and corporations to mine and utilize data for a variety of objectives, including financial ones.

On the other hand, if there were a formula for greater regulation of personal data ownership, then a person’s personal data would become an asset to that individual. There is the potential for data-driven technology to empower people, increase human welfare, and promote universal rights; but, the sort of safeguards that are implemented will determine the extent to which this promise is realized.

IN THE FUTURE, SOCIAL MEDIA MIGHT BE
A little less than half of the total world’s population is connected via social media. individuals are able to have their voices heard and communicate with individuals from all over the globe in real time because to this technology. On the other hand, it has the potential to increase biases and create conflict by providing a forum for hate speech and disinformation, as well as by intensifying instances of echo chambers.

Algorithms used in social media platforms have the potential to contribute to the fragmentation of civilizations all over the globe. Nevertheless, they also have the capability of acting in the reverse manner.

CYBERSPACE’S PARTY IN THE FUTURE
At a time when geopolitical tensions are on the increase, there is a lot of talk about how to handle these events. This conversation is taking place on both a national and international level. A ‘great fissure’ between global powers has been warned of by the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Each of these world powers has its own internet and artificial intelligence strategy, as well as dominating currency, trade, and financial norms, and it also has divergent geopolitical and military perspectives. A split of this kind may create a digital version of the Berlin Wall. Cooperation between nations in the digital realm, as well as the establishment of a universal cyberspace that reflects global norms for peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development, are being more recognized as essential to the achievement of a unified global community. Among the most important recommendations made by the High-level Panel on Digital collaboration of the Secretary-General is the establishment of a “global commitment for digital cooperation.”