Information and Communication Technology

1.1.16.1 Social

IT has introduced many different concepts in all walks of society's life. Recreation and entertainment is now through Internet. The hassle of travelling and walking miles through long corridors and halls of the departmental stores and malls for shopping is slowly vanishing. Home shopping, tele- banking and videoconferences are emerging. The small home office and paperless office concepts are arising. All commercial activities are done using E-commerce technologies. Meeting with friends and social contacts ha ve been greatly intensified through Internet by using E-mail, Chat sessions and videophones. In rural areas, the information society envisages Info kiosks' functioning in every nook and corner of the human habitats.

How has the development of informatio n technology influenced the interactions between individuals?

Interactions between individuals have been enhanced by the development of information technologies. New channels of communication have been opened between people in the last thirty years. As ot her developments occurred, such as the widespread availability of modems and personal computers became more widespread, the general population was integrated into what is known as the Internet. Individuals now have the ability to interact with other indivi duals through such developments as e-mail, chat-rooms and the Usenet.

This proliferation of Internet technologies has enabled people with disabilities such as those who are blind or visually impaired, physical disabilities or others to be able to enjoy ac cess to sources of information and ways of communicating they may not have had the opportunity to have used before.