Information and Communication Technology

by GARCIA, Edwin Joseph S.

2010-18666

STS X2

The presentation about information communication technology and its developments over the years had me thinking that indeed, technology has helped communication evolve greatly. However, I find it more interesting to note that the reason why technology has rapidly progressed is because there is a huge demand and constant need for it.

                Take, for example, the evolution of written media, which started from the printing press, to newspapers, and ultimately to the creation of the internet. Between the printing press and the internet, the accessibility of written information has greatly improved. However, one reason why engineers and technology experts focused on developing the written media industry is because there is a great demand and need for easily accessible information in order to improve communication. Nowadays, other industries were created because they rely on the accessibility of information in order to communicate more effectively; a great example of such industry is the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies.

Additionally, the presentation made me think about the risks associated with having such developments in the communication sector. Indeed, technology has helped us communicate and express more easily, but by doing so, privacy and security are often compromised. I personally think that this is something that most people often forget (and neglect) when they access the internet.

                For example, articles uploaded on online websites of newspapers are very helpful in spreading relevant information, but are often the source of controversies and become the topics for heated discussions worldwide. Another notable example would be social networking sites, where people can easily express themselves and communicate with others. However, it is through these websites that friends and strangers alike can easily access personal information and private details about almost anyone. Thus, security is greatly compromised.

                I personally think that there should be more emphasis on improving security while improving the information communication technology sector. However, it might not be an easy task and might even be impossible. As Barack Obama once said,

“I think it’s important to understand that you can’t have 100 percent security and then have 100 percent privacy and zero inconvenience. We’re going to have to make some choices as a society.” – Barack Obama

Even Benjamin Franklin, who lived in an era where internet was not yet available, had wisely said,

“Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.” – Benjamin Franklin

These two people—both wise, prominent, and notable leaders— acknowledge the importance of information communication technology, and how security plays a part in it.