How changes in technology impact human communication & the ethical issues that surround such changes
- Ebonie
- Sep 13, 2018
- 3 min read
-How changes in technology impact the way humans communicate, and the ethical issues that surround these changes-
This blog addresses how technology impacts the way humans communicate, only discussing the impact and ethics of communication technologies and its footprint on education, as the topic surrounding technology is too expansive. - these blogs were ultimately created to discuss educational issues-.
We’ve all heard the question, ‘could you go without your phone for a day?’ lets really think about it. Communication technology has become so intertwined with life that it’s hard to list all the impacts it would have if it disappeared and how humans would function both socially and mentally.
I believe that technology has significantly impacted not only the way humans communicate but how humans approach the thought of communicating with each other. It has become habit to use communication technology as an extension of their own abilities taking it for granted.
This is further expanded on by Wong (2016) who states,
“The nature of communication has changed along with its increase in speed and volume. Mobile devices that fit in our pockets ... increase in the use of shortcuts, symbols, abbreviations, and new words that get the point across with fewer characters.”
This has also changed how people socially interact with each other and view technology.
As JaguarPC (2014) claims:
“Many people look at technology through a negative set of eyes, there are many ways in which it plays a positive role in our lives.”
This is especially true when it comes to communication. The developments in optical fibres, satellites, social media and data processing allow for almost instantaneous global communication. Consequently, raising ethical debates surrounding privacy, cyber bullying, hacking and fraud.
Privacy and cyber bullying have created a negative view of technology in schools. As such, it is imperative to teach children about the implications of technology, once something is uploaded or is on a device such as phones, there is no way to completely remove it.
Children today a have a different way of approaching situations and thinking critically as compared to their parents, this is due to the fact that they have so much resources at their fingertips it allows them to use technology not only as a tool but an extension of their own thinking and abilities. We, as teachers have to consider this when creating lessons and incorporating technology into the classroom.
A major example of technology in schools is Google Classroom, which is prominent in many schools both public and private around Australia. Many teachers use programs like this to assign homework, notify students and parents of upcoming events or learning outcomes. These programs also allow for feedback to be given to student work.
Conclusively, technology has greatly impacted how humans interact and communicate but we need to be aware of the ethical issues surrounding it, but that shouldn't hinder its use in schools.
References:
Al-Rodhan, N. (2015). What are the ethical implications of emerging tech?. [online blog] Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/03/what-are-the-ethical-implications-of-emerging-tech/
Mishra, M. (2015). Ethical, legal and social aspects of information and communication technology. Retrieved from https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1507/1507.08447.pdf
Shirley, S. (2014). How has technology affected human behavior? [Guest Blog by JaguarPC]. Retrieved from https://bennisinc.wordpress.com/2014/03/31/how-has-technology-affected-human-behavior-guest-blog-by-jaguarpc/
Wong, W. (2016). How technology has changed the way we communicate. Retrieved from http://blog.wps.com/how-technology-has-changed-the-way-we-communicate/
A good read to look at the how technology has evolved in schools look at:
Team, E. (2013). How Technology in Schools Have Changed Over the Years. Retrieved from http://edtechreview.in/e-learning/386-change-in-school-technology
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