Introduction

Information technology is defined as a process through which we storage, manipulation, creation and distribution of information is adequately addressed. It is a technology that helps in information processing that is essential in the modern society. Information technology has played a significance role in the globalization process we are experiencing today. The need for creative distribution and management of information has been on the rise thus resulting in dynamics in the ICT sector. It is evident that there will be a rapid progress in information technology to match the much-anticipated revolution in computing and communication. The impacts of information technology in the society have therefore been a hot topic (Al-Qirim, 2014). It has been noted that information technology has affected and continue reshaping the society in different ways. For instance, information technology has had major impacts on cultural roles, business, education, government and public life in general.

Impacts of IT on UAE and the world

The use of information technology in UAE has been on an upward trend in the recent years. According to the latest report from the world economic forum, the UAE has made tremendous steps in the information technology. The country has increased use of ICT especially in government matters and is ranked second in the world and first in the Middle East and Africa region.  Over the years, the country has set high priority in making ICT infrastructure and usage which are critical to the country’s economic growth and social development.  Information technology has improved service delivery to the general public, improved productivity, innovation and quality of life for the country men (Emirates 24|7, 2015). The UAE government has over the years implemented various initiatives to deploy advanced ICT technology to offer high-quality services. Adoption of information technology in the UAE has resulted in increased competitiveness of the country and is ranked 25th internationally.

Information technology has also offered a platform for cooperation between the private sector and the government. The smooth integration of these two sectors has been fundamental to the increased economic growth and infrastructure development. Increased use of ICT has enabled provision of several government services through the Internet and other mobile platforms. This has consequently resulted in faster and easily affordable government services to the community. The country is making tremendous steps in ensuring that there are comprehensive national strategies that will enable the government to provide all the major services through mobile phones and tablets (Al-Qirim, 2014). Increased use of information technology in the provision of government services has been outstanding and, as a result, it has received international recognition from various bodies.

Information technology has also had a significance impact on the economy of the UAE and the rest of the world. It has been noted that information technology has made significance contribution in reducing the amount of time spent in a business transaction. Information technology has made geographical mobility of labor a possibility (Katsioloudes & Hadjidakis, 2007). The country has been able to export and import labor to different parts of the world thus increasing the economic performance of the country. Information technology has made it possible to outsource manufacturing from other countries and rely on IT in R&D and marketing. This has made it possible for organizations to locate their economic activities thus creating competitiveness in the labor and capital markets.  It has also made it easy for the trading partners to regulate the nature of businesses carried out in such economies (Emirates 24|7, 2015). Additionally, there are increase cost reduction practices in international trade especially where products are shipped electronically thus eliminating transport costs. In essence, the contribution of ICT to international business is immeasurable.

Information technology has also made a significant contribution in the workplace and labor markets. Besides increasing job opportunities for individuals, the technology has had other positive influence in the labor markets. For instance, computers and other electronic communication gadgets have made communication easier at the workplace. It is prudent noting that information technology has wiped out the traditional face-to-face, telephonic and written modes. These have been replaced by modern state of the art communication gadgets that enable 24-hour communication within the workplace. It has also made it possible to have multiple communications at different levels of the work place. Information technology has also resulted in many people working on the internet at the comfort of their homes (Al-Qirim, 2014). In essence, information technology has been instrumental in the creation and expansion of job opportunities for the local UAE population.

Information technology has also had major impacts in the education sector in the UAE. It has been noted that the old classroom set up is slowly becoming obsolete with increased advances in technology (Robert Lee, 2015). It is imperative noting that information technology has been fundamental in increasing productivity in the education sector. It has also significantly reduced congestion and increased accessibility of education to the UAE population. Presence of distance and e-learning in most institutions in the country has resulted in increased literacy levels in the country (Emirates 24|7, 2015). These forums have enabled many people to have access to the required education that would otherwise be difficult to achieve. Information technology has made it possible for the students to get education at their convenient time and place.

Also, information technology has enhanced efficiency in service delivery in the education sector. It is imperative noting that these technological advances have resulted in expansion coverage and better delivery of instructions. Additionally, tutors can also be able to combine video/audio presentations thus making it easy for students to understand the concepts. Information technology has also given students platforms where they can discuss important issues concerning their faculty (Katsioloudes & Hadjidakis, 2007). There have also been increased online courses where students are equipped with knowledge from recognized institutions in other countries like America and India. This has made it possible for the population in UAE to have increased access to quality education. It is also prudent noting that these online classes have also had significance role in supplementing schools and universities in the UAE.

It is also wise understanding that information technology has significance impact on private and social life of the population. It is prudent understanding that information technology has had significance contribution in distribution and duplication of information that is available in digital form (Robert Lee, 2015). The population has reduced substantially reduced the cost f sharing information among the public. Free flow of information among the people is instrumental since it enables effective decision making where citizens have the opportunity of making informed choices. It is also worth noting that availability of digital data can have great impact in data mining processes thus making it easy for the government to understand its citizens (Emirates 24|7, 2015). UAE population have also been given a platform by information technology that has helped improve family ties as well as increased interconnectedness with the rest of the world.

Ethical concerns

Despite the tremendous achievements associated with information technology, it is prudent noting that there are some ethical issues that undermine the contribution of IT to the society.  For example, instances of cyber crime where people lose a lot of money or leakage of critical online information are some of the ethical concerns associated with information technology. Electronic commerce has suffered immensely from such occurrences that lower consumer’s trust in these online institutions. It is however essential noting that the government of UAE has been proactive dealing with cybercrime and is ranked fourth in cyber security index.

Information technology has also been faced with challenges of dealing with objectionable contents available online. The technology has allowed free flow of information some of which is detrimental to social values and peaceful co-existence.  Some online pages have content such as pornography that is immoral and not fit for social consumption (Al-Qirim, 2014). It is, however, prudent noting that the technology has also enabled content filtering and through censorship, the government has been able to regulate information found online. The population should also be enlightened on the importance of avoiding objectionable content. The privacy of citizens is also at stake since data mining has also been made easy by the advances in technology. Intellectual property rights are another ethical consideration that users of online information must consider. Easy duplication and distribution of information has resulted in increased cases where intellectual property rights have been abused (Robert Lee, 2015). As a result, creators of this information are demoralized and lack the motivation to continue with the works of production. However, UAE has put in place strict intellectual property laws with the objective of solving this problem.

Conclusion

The impacts of information technology on the society are an important topic especially in modern times when the need for information and globalization is at its peak. UAE has been noted as one of the countries that have made tremendous development in leveraging ICT for increased economic diversification and competitiveness. It is, however, prudent noting that, despite the major achievements associated with this technology, serious social science investigation is necessary to manage the risks and dangers associated with IT development. It is prudent for the policy makers and other stakeholders to take time in research and development to ensure that information technology leads us to a desirable destination (Katsioloudes & Hadjidakis, 2007). Information is power and information technology has empowered the UAE population regarding education, government, business and other aspects of social life.

References

Al-Qirim, N. (2014). Smart board technology success in tertiary institutions: The case of the UAE University. Educ Inf Technol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10639-014-9319-7

Emirates 24|7,. (2015). Internet of Life: Impact on UAE residents 2nd highest in world. Retrieved 17 November 2015, from http://www.emirates247.com/business/technology/internet-of-life-impact-on-uae-residents-2nd-highest-in-world-2015-04-19-1.587767

Katsioloudes, M., & Hadjidakis, S. (2007). International business. Amsterdam: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Ordóñez de Pablos, P.(2013). International business strategy and entrepreneurship. IGI Global

Robert Lee, K. (2015). Impacts of Information Technology on Society in the new Century.

 
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