information society essay

Information Societies: Definition, Examples, Pros & Cons

An information society is a society where electronic information technology mainly facilitates the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

It is characterized by a citizenry with widespread access to digitized information, interactivity in communication, and changes in social organizations driven by technological improvements.

An example of the information society can be seen in the widespread use of smartphones and mobile applications. As a result of smartphones, people can access various kinds of data on-the-fly that could previously only be accessed through browsing designated pages on a computer.

Now with just a few taps on their phones, they can complete transactions with commercial entities or connect with peers remotely, while enjoying diverse offerings from personalized news feeds to streaming content or tracking fitness goals.

In general, the information society brings about an array of opportunities while creating new challenges that may require solutions from society to unlock the potential of such technologies. 

Definition of Information Society

One academic definition of the information society, coined by Manuel Castells, states that an information society is a social structure characterized by the networking of digital technologies that generate, process, and distribute information (Webster, 2001).

This involves a knowledge-based economy, where work processes are integrated with information technology and communication networks .

The information society is a socio-economic system in which the production and exchange of goods and services are mainly conducted via digital media such as computers or other electronic devices (Webster & Blom, 2020).

This integration of information technology (IT) into social and business practices of a society creates new opportunities for consumption, distribution, and sharing (such as the rise of e-commerce) while accelerating modes and channels of communication between people spanning geographical locations, thus accelerating technological globalization . 

According to Nath (2017),

“…the term information society has been proposed to refer to the post-industrial society in which information plays a pivotal role” (p. 21).

The use of IT also affects how individuals experience their daily routines influencing decision-making in different spheres, such as governance or politics, concerning policies being made/implemented digitally.

As stated by Sorj (2008),

“…the term “information society” is currently the most common way to refer to the set of impacts and social consequences of new information and communication technologies” (p. 25).

Socially speaking, some researchers defined this society as one that facilitates group culture through online means (Inglehart, 2018).

It is a virtual space culture guided by cyber norms & collected understandings that help humans navigate interactions on various platforms despite physical distances! 

Simply, the information society is a socio-economic structure that refers to the shift from an industrial way of life to one where data, information, and services are predominant. 

Features of Information Society

The main features of an information society revolve around the use and dissemination of information through digital technologies. 

Here are five key characteristics that help define an information society:

1. Ubiquitous Access to Information

In an information society, individuals have access to a vast amount of knowledge and data at their fingertips through various means, such as internet-connected mobile devices, widespread internet access, and online databases or repositories (Webster, 2014).

2. Digital Communication

Communication channels in an information society are primarily digitally based, such as email, video calling, social media applications, instant messaging platforms, etc. 

These enable the faster and more efficient transmission of ideas, collaboration among masses, especially on startups/entrepreneurship initiatives, and cutting traveling overhead for meetings (Webster & Bloom, 2020).

3. Knowledge-Based Economy

The exchange of information serves as the foundation for generating economic growth in this type of society (Webster & Bloom, 2020).

Businesses shift from traditional business methods, like physical retail outlets, to employing high-tech solutions such as AI-powered chatbots, e-commerce ecosystems, and blockchain payments to improve customer experience. 

4. Technological innovation

In information societies, technological innovation takes center stage, with ideas constantly being shared (Webster & Bloom, 2020).

As a result, new concepts usually sprout out, leading to disruptive technologies and massive digital automation reforms across different sectors, from healthcare, supply chains, manufacturing, and digital banking, among others. 

Innovative digitization also drives smart city initiatives, including high energy savings techniques and mass surveillance capabilities (Webster, 2014).

5. Global Interconnectedness

Through social media, which forms the backbone behind the world wide web, there is a great level of interconnectivity among people all over the globe. 

With online conferencing enabled by tools such as ‘Zoom,’ people can collaborate despite being torn apart geographically by thousands of miles. 

The rise of sharing economy platforms, such as Reedsy, Upwork, and Fiverr, as well as initiatives like TEDx talks, has created opportunities for remote freelancing, crowdsourcing, and outsourcing.

This means it’s now possible to conduct business or education without being in the same physical location as your partners (Webster, 2014).

10 Examples of Information Society

• Silicon Valley : Nestled in California, this region is renowned for its world-class tech companies and ambitious startups. It’s a breeding ground of scientific brilliance and engineering excellence – no wonder it has become an epicenter for information technology innovation!
• Estonia : This digital society boasts one of the world’s most advanced e-governance systems, allowing citizens to access government services online. In addition, Estonia is pioneering a new era of global business with its innovative e-residency program. It allows people worldwide to form an Estonian company without ever needing to travel there.
• Finland : Another Nordic country known for its technological innovation, Finland, is home to numerous successful tech companies, including Rovio (creator of Angry Birds) and Nokia. In addition, the nation boasts an impressive educational infrastructure, demonstrating its commitment to investing heavily in research and development. This level of investment indicates a robust system that promises beneficial results for the country’s future.
• Singapore : Singapore is an indisputable powerhouse f the global economy, renowned for its sophisticated technology advancements in finance and transportation. Boasting lightning-fast internet speeds that make it a desirable destination to set up shop for many leading multinational corporations, Singapore’s infrastructure and thriving economic conditions are simply unmissable. 
• Israel : Dubbed “the startup nation,” Israel has become renowned for its dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem built on cutting-edge technology across cybersecurity, agriculture tech, and healthcare innovation.
• South Korea : South Korea is a real trailblazer in the tech world, boasting an astonishing rate of internet access and producing top-notch giants such as Samsung and LG. It’s no wonder this country continues to set the bar for innovation worldwide!
• Rwanda : Despite being a developing country, Rwanda has made significant strides in becoming an information society through its investment in internet infrastructure and the development of digital services. The country aims to become Africa’s leading knowledge-based economy by 2025.
• Japan : Often considered a pioneer in technological advancement, Japan has always been at the forefront of innovation when it comes to electronics manufacturing, robotics engineering, and automotive technology.
• Denmark : Renowned for demographic data, digitized health records, and efficient public management of services. It has built a real-time labor market intelligence portal that is publicly available to help workers make better career decisions and develop new occupational skills
• UAE : Rapid digital transformation efforts in the United Arab Emirates have given way to many citizen-centered e-governance initiatives, as well as driving the growth of sector-based smart city projects at an excellent pace across main cities.

Benefits of an Information Society

An information society brings about many benefits, such as better access to information, improved communication, economic growth, better healthcare and education, and many more.

Below are some benefits of an information society:

• Access to Information: Living in an era where information is easily accessible is truly remarkable. With just one click, we can access limitless knowledge that facilitates self-education and informed decision-making while helping us broaden our understanding of the world (Polyviou, 2007). In a constantly changing environment like ours, these capabilities are absolutely invaluable.
• Improved Communication: The power of cyberspace and social networking sites has enormously impacted our capacity to interact with individuals from across the globe, regardless of their location (Webster & Bloom, 2020). This has facilitated easier communication channels fostering exceptional worldwide teamwork opportunities previously considered unattainable.
• Economic Growth: Technology advancements have led to new industries and job opportunities that did not exist before, such as digital marketing and e-commerce. They have revolutionized businesses globally, leading to increased employment rates (Webster & Bloom, 2020).
• Increased Efficiency: Automation through tech improvements has increased productivity in various fields, such as manufacturing or healthcare (Polyviou, 2007). They are reducing costs while improving the quality and speed of operations, benefiting all.
• Enhanced Education: In information societies, online courses are accessible from anywhere worldwide. They are becoming increasingly popular with students giving more options while convenience while remote self-paced learning helps reduce education expenses saving money for learners (Webster & Bloom, 2020).
• Better Health Care: Telemedicine or health apps let patients receive guidance professionally from certified medical practitioners when they need it most (Polyviou, 2007). In addition, information societies are providing quick adept solutions via smart devices without needing physical visits, saving time and resources and enhancing timely treatment delivery.
• Better Participatory Democracy : Giving citizens access to information makes it easier for them to make informed decisions, especially during elections. This helps create a more balanced and fair representation of interests in the political landscape.

Drawbacks of an Information Society

While information society has facilitated unprecedented connectivity and access to information, some undeniable drawbacks remain – from cybersecurity risks to information overload.

Now let’s look at some cons of the information society:

• Reduced Face-to-Face Interaction : As technology plays an ever-growing role in both business and social settings, there is a clear decline in the need for people to come together physically. Consequently, opportunities for face-to-face interaction have dwindled significantly (Polyviou, 2007).
• Cyber Risks: The introduction of digital signals has also exposed us to greater threats to our identities online, with people out there actively attempting designed to take our data and use it for nefarious purposes, causing serious harm or sometimes irreparable damage (Webster & Bloom, 2020).
• Technological Unemployment: There are frequent concerns as businesses opt for automation at scales leading to a considerable decrease in available job positions contributing towards social inequality and unrest (Polyviou, 2007).
• Digital Divide: The development of digital technologies is uneven, to say the least. Those with wealth, education, and resources get digital technologies first. Those without access to money or resources may never get access to digital technologies. As a result, inequality – in the form of unequal access to technology and therefore information – is a key problem within information societies.
• Information Overload: With so much information available across several platforms, from podcasts, YouTube Channels, and Instagram influencers, among others. It’s easy for people to become overwhelmed with an overload of data, sometimes leading to indecisiveness (Polyviou, 2007).

Our current society operates in what’s known as the “information society.” This refers specifically to our dependence on utilizing powerful tools such as information and communication technology (ICT). 

These have enabled us to communicate in ways never before possible – facilitating widespread economic growth while improving efficiency within industries such as education or healthcare.

Additionally, it has helped enhance democracy via participatory processes. 

Unfortunately, this new era also brings its share of issues.

They include decreased face-to-face interaction, cybersecurity risks, potential technological unemployment, a digital divide, and, more broadly – an overwhelming feeling of information overload. 

So, citizens must be aware and understand how they can use technology ethically and responsibly while protecting their data from malicious actors. 

Inglehart, R. (2018).  Culture shift in advanced industrial society . Princeton: Princeton University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv346rbz

Nath, H. (2017). The information society.  Space and Culture, India ,  4 (3), 19–27. https://doi.org/10.20896/saci.v4i3.248

Polyviou, Z. (2007).  The information society: Advantages and disadvantages . Cardiff: University of Wales. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/290476848.pdf

Sorj, B. (2008).  Confronting inequality in the information society . Centro Edelstein.

Webster, F. (2001, January 1).  Information society  (N. J. Smelser & P. B. Baltes, Eds.). ScienceDirect; Pergamon. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B0080430767043345

Webster, F. (2014).  Theories of the information society  (4th ed.). New York: Routledge.

Webster, F., & Blom, R. (2020).  The information society reader . New York: Routledge.

Viktoriya Sus (MA)

Viktoriya Sus is an academic writer specializing mainly in economics and business from Ukraine. She holds a Master’s degree in International Business from Lviv National University and has more than 6 years of experience writing for different clients. Viktoriya is passionate about researching the latest trends in economics and business. However, she also loves to explore different topics such as psychology, philosophy, and more.

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Information Society–what is it exactly?(The meaning, history and conceptual framework of an expression)

From Theory to Political Practice

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Information Society and Stable World Environment Essay

Introduction, internet as a worldwide playground, back to the progress: new technologies and their impact, the information society as it is, reference list.

Because of the constant development, the world is changing every single moment to take a new shape the next day. With help of the technological innovations combined with the unique culture, people have managed to reach the top of the progress, yet there is much to be done. Together with suggesting technological, political, and economical innovations, society has also introduced its new form, namely the information society. Despite the progressive beginning, the new society has a lot of issues to tackle to create a stable world environment.

Tracking the impact that the Internet has had on society, one can suggest that the World Wide Web has finally become what one cold call the entertainment for the people. Unlike the rest of the means of conveying the information, this one has quite a history of its own, it must be admitted. However, the fact that the Internet has finally become the means to learn all kinds of facts and enhance one’s knowledge in a certain sphere cannot be denied. With help of the Internet, people can access a variety of facts now, which is, no doubt, a huge benefit. However, it must be admitted that the situation has not always been like that.

At the very beginning of the computer era, the Internet was designed to serve people as the link that bridges nations. Serving as the road from one world to the other, it was supposed to help people broaden the horizons of modern science and increase the pace of progress. However, things changed as the Internet became available to the population and, which is the most important, to the world of advertisement and business.

As soon as the world’s greatest corporations captured the power over the Internet, it was designed t bring money as the means of mass media and the way to convey certain information to the public. Even though such a situation cannot be considered either a positive or negative one, I still cannot be denied that the initial purpose of the Internet has been considerably changed.

According to the ideas expressed by Rowland in his The Spirit of the Web, the Internet has created to serve the purpose of academic studies:

At first manly academic or interest-related and non-commercial, the idea of online communities was quickly taken up as a business opportunity by Commercial BC operators. CompuServe, which would become one of the giants of the new industry, went online that year. (p. 364)

If only people could know which way the new ideas led to! As soon as these changes were made, the Internet started to become more and more flooded with all sorts of advertisements. Although it has to be admitted that the Internet at present is used not only as of the means of advertising all kinds of goods but also as a means of communication all over the world.

Bridging the most distanced places with each other and providing people with the ersatz-conversation which can be compared to the real one, it is evident that the modern internet is filled with advertisements and various commercials, which people cannot avoid entering most cites – the so-called “banners”, the World Wide Web is increasingly growing as the means of mass media. However, this means is a rather commercialized Net, which must be admitted.

Therefore, one can drive the following conclusion: As soon as the Internet has become available to the world’s greatest companies and corporations, it has become filled with advertisements and commercials. Thus, the Internet was turned into a huge advertisement of its own, and there is no need to watch the news to prove this sad fact – it is enough to start an online session.

One of the world’s greatest concerns, the impact of the new technologies on modern society and the global world situation cannot be considered as totally positive. Although the importance of the world technical progress and development cannot be denied, it is still clear that technical development is a double-sided sword. Therefore, it has all grounds to be considered somewhat negative as well.

On the one hand, the new-age technologies are taken as the means to change the existing society for the better, enhancing democracy and suggesting new possibilities for its development. Yet, on the other hand, the new opportunities can bring certain harm, namely, serve as the tools to ruin society as we know it. Therefore, the phenomenon has to be discussed taking into account both view points.

Among the dangers that posed the greatest threat, critics emphasized the one posed to the system of legacy. Considering the Net as the means to represent undesirable ideas, the critics suggested that this could lead to chaos. As Rowland explained,

Early on in the history of the Net, lawyers began to worry that the rise of an electronic medium that disregards geopolitical boundaries throws the law into disarray by creating entirely new phenomena that need to become the subject of clear legal rules but cannot be governed satisfactorily, by any current territorially based sovereign. (p. 30)

To put it in simpler words, the critics considered that the new system lacked a government (Rowland, p. 30). Becoming uncontrolled, this could lead to much more serious consequences than one could predict, the critics assumed. However, such considerations finally proved wrong. Speaking of the most pessimistic ideas concerning the new technologies and their effect on society, one can suppose that the fears have been greatly exaggerated.

Even though there can be drawbacks concerning the new technologies development, they are quite unlikely to lead to such an apocalyptic ending. On the contrary, the new technologies are likely to enhance the development of mankind and broaden the horizons of modern science. Breaking new grounds in the sphere of computing, people will be able to achieve even greater progress. However, it cannot be denied that negative prognoses are quite popular nowadays. According to Rowland, these are mostly encouraged by the representatives of the press. Thus, Rowland drives the following fact as an example of people’s fears for the future of democracy:

Journalism refers to the Net as “archaic”, and that’s not an inappropriate description, although the Internet does not exist in a political vacuum: in principle at least, the laws of nations apply on the net as they do in ordinary life. (p. 30)

Indeed, with help of the new technological tools, society can ease the journey to democracy. According to what Rowland claims, there are certain reasons to suggest that with help of the new technologies, modern society can be promoted to a higher level of development. As the author claims, the concerns touch upon such an intriguing aspect of the public space and its interpretation on the Internet.

According to Habermas’s public sphere theory, the Internet can be viewed as a place called a public sphere, namely, a space where people can communicate their ideas to each other without any obstacles in their way. However, Habermas developed his theory to apply it to the people who take a certain position in society – the position of the privileged, whereas the Internet can be accessed by anybody.

It seems that the Internet is currently becoming more and more flooded with commercials. Though this might sound a bit sad, at present it seems impossible to stop the process of filling the World Wide Web with advertisements. Despite their obvious importance – people need to know about the latest innovations and goods – the system of Internet advertising is often obtrusive and annoying. This means that Internet advertising can lead to the most unwanted effect. As a result of an excessive advertisement, people will grow irritated and abandon the World Web to search for another means of socializing.

The global net will handle the excessive commercial “attack”, yet the consequences can be deplorable. Unless people can face the on-coming excessive advertisement on the Internet, there will be no possibility to stop the process or even hinder it. Despite the optimistic prognoses of several scientists, it seems that the Internet is highly likely to become over-hyped, which, in turn, will trigger irritation of the Internet users.

However, there is a chance that the Internet will be able to resist the influence of excessive advertising. To help people fight this problem, one has to realize the positive and the negative impact of the latter and to understand that the age of Internet exploration belongs to people, not to machines. According to Rowland, “marketplace created by the Net is a historically unique commercial environment.

It exists nowhere and everywhere at the same time, and can be accessed from anywhere in the world.” (p. 404) This means that by establishing the laws of its own, the Internet users can create the most favorable conditions for their online existence, without the excessive virtual advertisements and with the environment that they will find most suitable for their online life. Unlike the rest of the places, cyberspace is extremely flexible, which means that it can be shaped according to the visitors’ needs.

This means that the information society in which people are living now is currently transforming into an advertisement t society – at least on the Internet. Unfortunately, this process is unlikely t be stopped or even hindered. Even though the Internet was initially designed for people to communicate free, at present, it seems that the sphere of pleasant communication is becoming cluttered with ads and commercials, which is rather sad.

There is no doubt that with the use of the Internet, the number of jobs has grown considerably, yet it is obvious that these jobs mostly concern the online business (Rowland, p. 405). Therefore, the impact of the Internet still can be considered quite commercial. Thus, it seems that, no matter how hard one might try, there still will be a speck of advertising on the Internet, for this is a piece of cyberspace itself. However, this process can be viewed as quite natural and expected. Therefore, what people should do is to consider the situation carefully and understand whether they should do something about it or not.

Rowland, W. (2006) Spirit of the Web . Toronto, CA: Thomas Allen Publishers.

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The Information Society - Sociology Essay Example

Information Society is a term that is used to define the creation, distribution, integration, manipulation and use of information by society. The entire discipline can be looked at from an economic, social or even political perspectives. More than just a means of communication, information society is a cultural, economic and political activity. The manner in which this phenomenon manifest is dependent on certain factors, information and communication technologies being at the very top of this list. It is important to note that the economy, health, security, social welfare of said economy have seen a significant change with the explosion of technologies in communicating and information. The 21st century has seen Information Society radically redesign how people interact with each other, grow their food, treat their patients and even experience their own lives.

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There are a lot of factors that have led to the growth of information technology. Statistically, the average person in 1986 data capacity of persons that had access to digital data was 730 MB. This has since grown 60 times that amount. The generation of information a decade later and the amount of data that is produced by the second are beyond imagination. The 21st century has brought forth concepts like big data. Big data refers to the streams of data that pass through the different systems in firms. It is important to note that the concept of data management is has been in use for a considerable amount of time. The data streams that are passing through the internet and company networks barely stretch the surface over other devices. The smartphone, personal computer, and even motor vehicles all create data seamlessly throughout the day.

One of the most influential tools is Big Data. The occurrence of big data has been noted to be very pervasive. This pervasive nature is prime in Information Technology and its associated practices. Big data can be attributed to high-volume, high variety information assets and high-velocity transmission of the data. As digital business slowly takes priority over other traditional forms of doing business, big data is gaining an increasingly important part of doing business. Innovative and revolutionary concepts are being introduced in the different industry due to the use of bid data.

Big Data is one of the most dynamic concepts to be introduced to businesses. The products from this tool can be applied at different governance and operational levels in business to streamline the functions and quality of the process that a business uses. It also is able to realize solutions that are relevant in both time frame and context. Through big data products, the business is able to create new cost models; that can be applied to both analytic processing and storage models in a company.

Information Society is a relatively new concept. It is important to note that the differences in the way that information is created and distributed since the 1970s to date have radically changed other spheres of life. Information technology has transcended social, cultural boundaries creating ripples of paradimeF shifts in government administration, business management, marketing, accounting, science, logistics and transport among other fields. Information technology has grown in to one of the most significant drivers of societal development.

One of the first scholars to publish their works on Information Society was Fritz Machlup. His research on the effect of patents on research critiqued the production and distribution of knowledge. The book was later translated into Russian and Japanese. The issues surrounding information technology and its role in the lives of people and contemporary society became a focal point of the study. Some of the topics that are discussed are, informational economy, postindustrial society informational revolution. The industry of Knowledge was introduced by Frit Machlup and categorized into five major categories; education, research and development, mass media, information technologies and information services. Other concepts that are of interest in the field of information Society are the Communication Theory, Intellectual Property considerations, and corporate capitalism.

The expansion of information across all critical infrastructures of society has led many countries across the world to be more economically dependent on knowledge. The transition from an economy that is based on production, distribution, and sale of goods to one based on knowledge can be seen in the American Economy. This is a theory that has been explored by Peter Druker and Marc Port. The theory states that there are two stages of the information economy, the primary and secondary spheres. The primary sphere comprises of the information goods and services that are directly involved in the production, distribution, and processing of information. The secondary sector, on the other hand, looks into the informational services that are produced for the internal consumption by government and other non-informational organizations.

The Communication Theory

The communication theory is one of the widest studies theories in communication. The theory applied certain principles and tools from the information theory and mathematics. It also looks at the communication process of human beings. It is important to note that as a species, communication and language have been very significant factors that have set the human race apart from the rest of the animals on earth. The unique and complex mechanisms through which human interaction is experienced and advanced all studied in the Communication theory. Some of the concepts that are explored in the Communication theory include Factors affecting Telegraph speed, Transmission of Information and German Enigma codes in the Second World War.

Over the years, there have been several notable scholars that have pushed the study of communication to new horizons and platforms. People like Alan Turning, Ralph Hartle, and Harry Nyquist are some of the founders of the communication theory. As more persons have given the theory attention, several models of communication have been developed all with the aim of understanding and advancing human communication. The communication theory was coined by S. F. Scudder (1980); all living beings existing on the planet communicate. The existence of human begins as a race is dependent on the interactions that they form and the developments that come from these interactions. The applications of the communication theory have proven to be very important to understanding human nature, the inventions that have come and the future of the human race.

There are several viewpoints from which the communication theory can be looked at. The first is mechanistic, that is, communication is simply the transmission of information between two or more parties. There, however, must be a recipient and a sender of the message. The second sphere is psychological. The flow of information from a sender to receiver is more than just words or sounds. The psychological framework of communication means that the feelings and thoughts of the people that are communicating are reflected in the messages that they send. From a social perspective, the result of the interaction between the sender and the recipient affects the social viewpoint of all parties that are involved. The connotations that are implied and stated in the message accept the different perceptions that are formed in the societal matrices that people form in different views. The fourth perceptions from which the communication theory can be analyzed is the systemic framework. This refers to the difference in meaning that the recipient of the message creates upon reading the messages. It is important to note that the message is not the information that is sent but rather the meaning that is derived. Lastly, the critical framework states that communication is a mechanism through which persons express themselves and how that expression assumes authority among other people.

Corporate Capitalism

Information Technology is one of the most pervasive industries of the twenty-first century. The applications of the trade have been more than efficient and cost saving. It is rapidly becoming, if not already, the backbone of communications. With the internet as its main vein, there are applications as diverse as video conferencing and social networking that has become the primary means of communication. The users of the internet have been exploited, in business, education, medicine and even government. It is because of the value of the internet to the world that cybersecurity is a very important sphere of Information Technology. It is important to note that the internet was developed in the United States of America. The country has therefore been the forerunner in information technology. Companies like Google and Oracle, are based in the United States. They are also responsible for the consistent development of the industry. The impact of the information technology-driven companies in the United States is felt on a global scale.

The pervasive nature of the internet is one of the most powerful and arguably the most detrimental features of Information Technology in the country. The applications are incorporated to different levels of administration, economy, and society. Some of the largest benefactors of the use of the Information Society are the military and the corporate world. Corporate capitalism is a term that is used to define structures surrounding business organizations, the beaurocracy architecture of the internal organizations and the mechanisms of management of these organizations. Looking at the two mechanisms through which Information Society can be critiqued, both primary and secondary sectors of the information Economy are represented. The primary sphere comprises of the information goods and services that are directly involved in the production, distribution, and processing of information; one such example if E-Commerce.

E-Commerce has become one of the most influential drivers of economies across the world. The increase in traffic for online retailers and companies in all industry continue to grow exponentially. In the last decade, industries like Application development to Fashion continue to increase their online presence. The effect of this E-Commerce wave has been felt in different countries as their economies grow exponentially. One of the most influential factors that continue to encourage this growth is the global need to become technologically literate. As the world turns towards this new direction, there are many factors that test the legitimacy and importance of E-Commerce as an alternative form of trade and weigh its benefits alongside the disadvantages of employing this method of communication.

A study in 2014 revealed that the E-Commerce scene in China realized 12.3 Renminbi (RMB). This figure was approximately a 21.3% increase from the previous year, 2013. The Economic significance of this increase cannot be ignored. Another benefit that comes from this growth is the need for diversity and timelessness of the products and services that are provided, a result that pushes the industry to greater heights.

Three primary functions have been noted to stem from the use of E-Commerce as a method of trade. The first is that businesses can achieve information exchange, logistical analysis, online payments and sales activity from a central point of view to a greater market compared to traditional trade. These are the basic functions of any business. The second function that E-Commerce has been able to exhibit are financial analysis, market research, and informed business planning. This is an intermediary fu...

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What Information Society Frank Webster Essay Examples

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Education , Technology , Culture , Society , Students , Job , Life , Information

Published: 12/19/2019

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This article provides a wide-ranging discourse on the information society – its characteristics, challenges, differences with the other societies in history, the impact that these defining characteristics are having on the lives of members of this society vis-à-vis the lives of members of past societies et al. It opens by noting that there is a debate about whether such a thing as “an information society” really exists. The article seemingly grants that it does because it then launches into a long exploration of what sets an information society apart from other societies. It identifies four aspects that are considered when trying to determine whether a society can be considered an information society. They include technology, occupation, spartial and culture. It explains that breakthroughs in information processing have led to application of information technology in all spheres of life so much so that we do everything using technology cook, communicate, treat ailments and even fight using technology. On occupation it reports that unlike in the other societies, occupations that exist because of information alone like teaching, medicine, clerks, lawyers et al dominate over and outnumber those whose existence is dependent on other things. Information has also taken center-stage as the key strategic resource on which the economy of the world is dependent; those that possess information possess immense economic resource. Lastly, modern culture is more heavily information laden than any of its predecessors’; there has been an extraordinary expansion of the information content of modern life. Even the clothes that people wear speak something about them in the information age.

The article, however, reports that there are competing schools of thought on just what impact this immense load of information has on the life of man. One school contends that “information creates a truly professionalized society” (1) while the other school posits that “it represents a tightening of control over the citizenry” (ibid). What is very clear from the article is that information is the cornerstone of a society.

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• School Education /

Essay on Information Technology in 400 Words

• Updated on  
• Apr 26, 2024

Essay on Information Technology: Information Technology is the study of computer systems and telecommunications for storing, retrieving, and transmitting information using the Internet. Today, we rely on information technology to collect and transfer data from and on the internet. Say goodbye to the conventional lifestyle and hello to the realm of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).

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Also Read: Essay on Internet

Scientific discoveries have given birth to Information Technology (IT), which has revolutionized our way of living. Sudden developments in technology have given a boost to IT growth, which has changed the entire world. Students are taught online using smartboards, virtual meetings are conducted between countries to enhance diplomatic ties, online surveys are done to spread social awareness, e-commerce platforms are used for online shopping, etc.

Information Technology has made sharing and collecting information at our fingertips easier. We can learn new things with just a click. IT tools have enhanced global communication, through which we can foster economic cooperation and innovation. Almost every business in the world relies on Information Technology for growth and development. The addiction to information technology is thriving throughout the world.

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• Everyday activities like texting, calling, and video chatting have made communication more efficient.
• E-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart have become a source of online shopping.
• E-learning platforms have made education more accessible.
• The global economy has significantly improved.
• The healthcare sector has revolutionized with the introduction of Electronic Health Records (EHR) and telemedicine.
• Local businesses have expanded into global businesses. 
• Access to any information on the internet in real-time.

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Disadvantages

Apart from the above-mentioned advantages of Information Technology, there are some disadvantages also.

• Cybersecurity and data breaches are one of the most important issues.
• There is a digital divide in people having access to information technology.
• Our over-relying attitude towards the IT sector makes us vulnerable to technical glitches, system failures and cyber-attacks.
• Excessive use of electronic devices and exposure to screens contribute to health issues.
• Short lifecycles of electronic devices due to rapid changes in technological developments.
• Challenges like copyright infringement and intellectual property will rise because of ease in digital reproduction and distribution.
• Our traditional ways of entertainment have been transformed by online streaming platforms, where we can watch movies and play games online.

The modern world heavily relies on information technology. Indeed, it has fundamentally reshaped our way of living and working, but, we also need to strike a balance between its use and overuse. We must pay attention to the challenges it brings for a sustainable and equitable society.

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Paragraph on Information Technology

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Short Essay on Information Technology

Check out the short essay on information technology from below:

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Ans: Information technology is an indispensable part of our lives and has revolutionized the way we connect, work, and live. The IT sector involves the use of computers and electronic gadgets to store, transmit, and retrieve data. In recent year, there has been some rapid changes in the IT sector, which has transformed the world into a global village, where information can be exchanged in real-time across vast distances.

Ans: The IT sector is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world. The IT sector includes IT services, e-commerce, the Internet, Software, and Hardware products. IT sector helps boost productivity and efficiency. Computer applications and digital systems have allowed people to perform multiple tasks at a faster rate. IT sector creates new opportunities for everyone; businesses, professionals, and consumers.

Ans: There are four basic concepts of the IT sector: Information security, business software development, computer technical support, and database and network management.

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Information Society

INTRODUCTION HISTORY OF INFORMATION SOCIETY The collocation “information society” as it is now used first emerged in Japanese social science(s) in the early 1960’s. The Japanese version of the expression (joho shakai, johoka shakai) was born during a conversation in 1961 between Kisho Kurokawa, the famous architect, and Tudao Umesao, the renowned historian and anthropologist. It debuted in written texts as the title of a study published in January 1964. The author was the aforementioned Jiro Kamishima but the title was given to the study by the editor Michiko Igarashi (Sociology in Information Societies).

Three authors are in competition to win the imaginary award for being the first to use the collocation “information society” in their book’s title and due to the reconstruction difficulties in regard to the dates of preparation and publication of the manuscripts, it is almost impossible to decide which publication was the first: Yujiro Hayashi’s bestseller of 1969 (Johoka Shakai: Hado No Shakai Kara Sofuto no Shakai e, The Information Society: From Hard to Soft Society) or the introductory and popularising books by Yoneji Masuda and Konichi Kohyma published in 1968 (Joho Shakai Nyumon – Introduction to an Information Society).

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However, there is no doubt at all that the birth and fast consolidation of the concept is linked inexorably to the island country: as early as 1971 a systematising “dictionary” on information society was published in Japan (Johoka Shakai Jiten, Dictionary of Information Societies). The first English language reference dates from 1970 and can also be linked to Yoneji Masuda, who used the expression in his lecture at a conference (it Information Society – what is it exactly? (The meaning, history and conceptual framework of an expression) appeared in print in the same year).

Of course all of this does not imply that the literature (in English) of the information society does not have even earlier antecedents. It was just that different expressions were used for the newly emerged social-economic entity, namely post-industrial society and white collar revolution. A common characteristic of these proto-concepts is that they isolated one of the components, i. e. one part, ofthe rapidly changing economic-social complex and suggested that it was sufficient to describe –in both a descriptive and metaphorical sense – the whole.

As a result of this, several dozen terms, each with a different approach, proliferated between 1950 and 1980 and then – in our opinion around 1980 – they merged into a comprehensive, joint umbrella term combining the concept of information and society: this new concept included and encapsulated all the previous partial concepts and even preserved the expressive power, approach and attitude they represented. The expression “post-industrial society ” was coined in 1914 in Great Britain by Ananda K.

Coomaraswamy and Arthur J. Penty, and later revived from 1958 in America (primarily by Daniel Bell) and from the end of the 1960s in French social sciences (likewise by Alan Touraine). At the beginning observers used it in a strongly normative (what should it be like? ) or strongly predictive (what will it be like? ) sense, but a shared presupposition of the authors was the accelerating “decomposition” and transformation of those industrial structures that had developed over a period of some two hundred years.

Another aspect of the same structural changes was analyzed by the Australian economist Colin Clark, who introduced the concept “the third (tertiary) sector” in 1940, drawing attention to the growing importance of services as opposed to material production (service economy=tertiary sector). In regard to technology, which forms the basis of production, the term “automation” (later “cybernation”), introduced by the automotive engineer of the Ford company D.

S. Harder in 1946, facilitated the discussions for decades, and dozens of evocative terms were originated to designate the sweeping changes generated by the hurtling development of information technology, Of these the most well-known were the various manifestations of the computer and the scientific-technological revolution. The term “brain work” replaced “manual work” and opened the way towards the concept of information society.

This was identified by the economist Alfred Marshall and the social philosopher and revolutionary Peter Kropotkin at about the same time, around 1890. For a while the word “intelligentsia” (“intelligence”), which spread in German-speaking areas after 1848 and in Russian-speaking areas after 1860, seemed to be a lucky choice to express the growing importance of those social groups in the labour market that emerged who were using their intellectual performance and knowledge to make a living.

However, because of the increasing ideological “interference” connected to the word, the term “white-collar work” spread more widely in the 1950s and it also became an “official” term used to denote a basic category in statistics and employment. At first the term, created by Upton Sinclair in 1919, was used exclusively for office workers and those officials who moved from manufacturing industry towards intellectual work; however, later it was extended to workers who carried out activities requiring certain (mainly high) qualifications.

Interestingly, it took a long time for teachers and scientists to “make it” into this category; this happened only at the beginning of the 1960s. Not long after this, the term knowledge worker was coined in 1967 by Peter Drucker. From the end of the 1960s until the beginning of the 1980s it seemed that the term “post-industrial society” would become an umbrella term used to describe the major social transformation that had taken place, but the term became more and more contradictory and vague.

On the one hand, the “traditional manufacturing industry based on manual work” was never the same as “industry”: it was Fritz Machlup, one of the pioneers of the information society discourse, who, using the language of economics, showed at the beginning of the 1960s that the production of knowledge is an economic activity and could be described with the terms used in the analysis of the industrial sector. He defined a unified knowledge industry by organizing a structure using more than 30 industries. He reviewed the conceptual field, and then described one of its sectors, the knowledge producing sector, in detail.

Finally, he pointed out that the biggest and most important sector of this industry was education. However, due to the increasingly complicated patterns of information, knowledge processes and institutes, other terms became successively unsuitable since they tried to balance the growing complexity of production by including the quaternary and quandary sectors. Neither term, “white-collar” nor “brain work” was able to reflect the process by which knowledge itself was upgraded in the case of each worker and by which traditional industries became increasingly information and knowledge intensive.

Furthermore, “post-industrialist” had the secondary meaning of “post-capitalist”, which presented a problem since the capitalist foundation had not changed in spite of the many fundamental internal realignments concerning mainly the proprietary, power, and welfare dimensions. In the end the term “information society”, which was the umbrella term used to describe the elemental social changes that took place in the second half of the 20th century, remained alone in the ring.

But not for long: the term quickly filtered through to the political sphere and the language of the media, and as a result of this it has had to face multiple challenges ever since. INFORMATION SOCIETY DEFINITION Information society is defined as a new form of social existence in which the storage, production and flow of networked information. Information society is a post-industrial society in which information technology (IT) is transforming every aspect of cultural, political, and social life and which is based on the production and distribution of information.

It is based on the production and distribution of information. It is a term used to describe the most recent stage of social history. Information society studies is an area of science that emerged in the 1990s for the systematic study of information society issues and its ‘’translation’’ into higher education curricula. Post-industrial society means the term was the most frequently used one before the expression ‘’information society gained overall acceptance.

Social informatics is a strongly interdisciplinary research field exploring the meso- and micro levels of information society and the social issues pertaining to telecommunication and computing. White collar revolution – Jean Gottmann used this expression for the title of Chapter 11 of his book Mega polis, published in 1961. By the turn of the millennium the use of the concept information society had already become widespread and was not only an everyday term in the social science vocabulary but was a term preferred by those involved in political planning, political marketing and in the world of business.

In the 20th century the most developed countries gradually entered the state of information society and it is expected that within a matter of a few decades the majority of the world’s population will be living and working in a global information society. The concept “information society” as a political and ideological construct has developed under the direction of neo-liberal globalization, whose main goal has been to accelerate the establishment of an open and “self-regulated” world market.

In fact, at the end of the century, when the majority of the developed countries had already adopted ICT infrastructure development policies, there is a spectacular peak in the share market of the communications industry CHARACTERISTICS OF INFORMATION SOCIETY Information society gives a pervasive influence of IT on home, work, and recreational aspects of the individual’s daily routine. It is a stratification into new classes those who are information-rich and those who are information-poor.

Information society also loosening of the nation state’s hold on the lives of individuals and the rise of highly sophisticated criminals who can steal identities and vast sums of money through information related (cyber) crime. FEATURES OF INFORMATION SOCIETY 1. ICT based 2. Change in communication pattern (e –mail, teleconferencing, and virtual office) 3. Information utilities (smart card, virtual education) 4. Borderless information (open sky concept) 5. Intellectual based industry (value is increase by knowledge, not labor) 6. Service industry 7. Knowledge workers . Global village 9. Network community 10. Source of power is information in the hands of many as opposed to an industrial society where the strategic source is capital. SOME RISING ISSUES REGARDING INFORMATION SOCIETY One of the greatest challenges of establishing information society is the effort to eliminate global property. The development of an information society is highly complex many of us are unprepared for the needs, challenges and opportunities presented by the information age. The ICT also gives impact to the world trade like the internet will facilitate ross-selling product. As a result, the big company will invest more money on the establishment of international trade. A growing disparity, between information rich and information poor. digital divide. Availability of basic infrastructure and ICT are the some other issues. In summary, Information society is based on these traits. First is the technology. Sophisticated IT for the production, recording, transmission and retrieval of information of all formats bringing about the high levels of interconnectedness, globalization and dependence on IT.

Secondly, extensive production of information coupled with high proportions of the labor force employed directly and directly in information activities. Third, in economy sector, information being a major commodity, being bought and sold extensively. Fourth, Operation. Integrated channels and appliances for the handling of information at large may replace specialized channels and appliances for the handling of specific forms of electronic information. Lastly, Culture. The economic and social accent on information has turned it to be a culture shrinking time and space constraints and the emergence of global virtual symbolism and realities.

CHANGES IN SOCIETY Information society began with the use of mainframe computers to access vast amounts of information. Creation, distribution and manipulation of information became the most significant economic and cultural activity in the evolving information society. While, knowledge society is creating, sharing, and using of knowledge to bring prosperity and a sense of well-being to its people. “Value added”. We also define knowledge as active and dynamic information. KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY DEFINITION Knowledge Society refers to any society where knowledge is the primary production resource instead of capital and labor.

It may also refer to the use a certain society gives to information. A Knowledge society creates shares and uses knowledge for the prosperity and well-being of its people”. CHARACTERISTIC OF KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY Knowledge societies have the characteristic that knowledge forms a major component of any human activity. Economic, social, cultural, and all other human activities become dependent on a huge volume of knowledge and information. A knowledge society is one in which knowledge becomes a major creative force.

Knowledge societies are not a new occurrence. For example, fishermen have long shared the knowledge of predicting the weather to their community and this knowledge gets added to the social capital of the community. What is new is that ?With current technologies, knowledge societies need not be constrained by geographic proximity ? Current technology offers much more possibilities for sharing, archiving and retrieving knowledge ? Knowledge has become the most important capital in the present age, and hence the success of any society lies in harnessing it.

EXAMPLES OF SOCIETIES THAT CAN BLOSSOM TO KNOWLEDGE SOCIETIES People from the same field ?Teachers teaching the same subject. ?Fans of the same musical group ?Artists with similar interests People from different fields ?Engineers talking to scientists about a scientific issue related to their engineering project ? Researchers of different fields discussing a common research problem ? Artists interested in fractals getting in touch with programmers DEFINING SCOPE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICTS)

The driving forces of the information revolution and the ‘information society’ are the development, diffusion and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in contemporary societies. ICTs refer to the various technologies that enhance the creation, storage, processing, communication and dissemination of information. ICTs also refer to the different infrastructures used in these processes, their applications and the numerous services these infrastructures render. We identify the following technologies as the elements of ICTs: Media of Communication (e. . radio, television,) Information machine (e. g. Computers). Telecommunications technologies and equipment (Satellites, fiber optic cables, phones, facsimiles machines) the development in telecommunications has impacted enormously on the applications of ICTs and their uses. K- ECONOMY The K- economy refers to knowledge economy also refers to the use of knowledge technologies (such as knowledge engineering and knowledge management) to produce economic benefits is about knowledge and ability to use it and to create new knowledge value and wealth.

Wealth is measured by the results of knowledge that is inventively applied. Three things to do to prepare for K- economy are have sound knowledge about a particular discipline. Have the skills to apply that knowledge and inculcate proper values and attitudes in you. The reality of K-economy is customers are increasingly knowledgeable. The environment is complex. The ability to navigate and utilize information and learn new skills is key success factors. Values have changed and the focus should be in creating and using intellectual assets. INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS IN THE KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY

Information professionals are responsible for the capture, management and transfer of information and knowledge within and organization. Information specialist, documentation specialist, information / database manager and etc need to understand the business of their enterprise and how they should fit into overall enterprise structure. They also need to knowledgeable and flexible in adapting application of new technologies to their enterprise. THE ANALOGY OF THE GROWING PLANT OF INFORMATION SOCIETY Society grows its roots of development through the cooperative support of individuals, organizations, and tools.

Information Professionals grow as plants to be part of the Knowledge World with the same support of individuals, organizations, and tools. CONCLUSION As a result of this approach is the conceptual network that can be explained along with a general understanding of information society. With the brief history of the information society and examines the relationship between the concept and related notions such as knowledge society and K- economy. Information society is very important. Information society really gives a pervasive influence of IT on home, work, and recreational aspects of the individual’s daily routine.

It is a stratification into new classes those who are information-rich and those who are information-poor. However, knowledge society is the primary production resource instead of capital and labor. It may also refer to the use a certain society gives to information. A Knowledge society “creates shares and uses knowledge for the prosperity and well-being of its people. As a conclusion, in such a connected world, information society and knowledge society are two assets we must count on because they are key to success.

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In today’s world of technology a business has many options to choose from when comes to business software application. However, when making that decision, the actual application that is chosen should be driven by the needs of the business. For this particular situation, a quality control application has been chosen. This type of application offers

Role of Information Technology in Modern Society

Information technology is crucial in modern education, providing various ideas and innovations in this fast-paced and essential field. In the past, education was limited to studying textbooks, but nowadays it has become more advanced and practical. Computers now play an active role in modern education, being highly beneficial for completing various assignments and projects. Even in

Research Proposal: Information Systems

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Information system

Information Systems have gradually become the heart of most business processes and national operations. They have introduced and sustained an era where processes are automated for increased accuracy, convenience and effectiveness. Information Systems are being deployed in almost every organization and their applications cut across all sectors of the economy and a diverse range of

Ways of Acquiring Information

Information

In a business organization, there are many ways on how to obtain information from clients and stakeholders in order to determine ways on how to improve the products and services of a company to be able to meet the needs and wants of customers and business partners. Quantitative and qualitative market research methods can be used

Background Information On Enzymes And Catalase Biology

By finishing this lab about enzyme activity, the cognition about the five chief factors that affect the rate of enzyme activity was easier to grok. Before understanding those constructs, it 's important to understand the background information of the molecules involved with this lab. In order to hold a larger perceptual experience of the lab

Information Technology Boon or Bane?

Until recent times, the role of technology and technological developments has been regarded as entirely beneficial to the society. However, in the past few years, a number of voices have questioned this benevolent view of the effects of technology upon society. We are wedged in a society that compels and encourages us to get the

Web Based Information Systems Management Pepsico Inc Business

There are barely a few people in the universe who are unfamiliar with the word Pepsi. Wordss such as Cola or sodium carbonate have about become synonymous with it. Pepsi is arguably the most celebrated soft-drink consumed by one million millions all over the universe. And the company responsible behind this success is one of

The Human Resource Information System

Human Resources

The Human Resource Information System (HRIS) is a software or online solution for the data entry, data tracking, and data information needs of the Human Resources, payroll, management, and accounting functions within a business. Normally packaged as a data base, hundreds of companies sell some form of HRIS and every HRIS has different capabilities. Pick

School Management Information Systems in Primary Schools

ABSTRACT Developments in information technologies have been impacting upon educational organizations. Principals have been using management information systems to improve the efficiency of administrative services. The aim of this research is to explore principals’ perceptions about management information systems and how school management information systems are used in primary schools. The respondents of this study were

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