Introduction
Information technology is similar to other aspects of life; it contains both positive and negative effects on users. Information technology is however viewed by many as the best innovation of the 21st century. Information technology has brought with it both positive and negative effects on the users. The positive benefits outweigh the negative, but some negative implications could potentially have an extreme implication to the users.
The presence of these potentially negative impacts means that the extra security should be put in place to ensure that their interests are protected. In this essay, the negative impacts of technology on individuals, organizations, and society as a whole are observed.
Negative impacts on individuals
Information technology has had an impact on the individuals, and its dependence has been increasing. However, some negative attributes are still present. Firstly, information technology is regarded as one of the factors contributing to increased unemployment rates. Its use has reduced the dependence of the human input as computers can analyze information faster than humans can. Economic consequences, loss of income, social consequences, loss of status, and less self-esteem are some of the negative effects of adopting the technology. The effect on individuals as a smaller can replace a huge workforce number with automation knowledge and equally handle their roles.
Secondly, the interpersonal interaction has been reduced. The increase in information technology has reduced the physical interaction. The physical interactions are reduced as social media has become the interaction medium for most people. These relationships may affect one’s ability to relate to family and friends. A lot of time is also used up on the internet and on games and thus reduces the productivity of individuals.
Finally, a more sedentary lifestyle is adopted by many users as they engage in information-oriented occupation. This changed lifestyle has increased the health problems among the population.
Negative Impacts on Organizations
Information technology has some negative impacts on the organizations, and the ability of these organizations to adapt to the changing world will determine their survival. Firstly, the cost of implementing information technology initiatives is high. The hardware and software components are expensive. Maintaining the systems and keeping up with the changes is high as data protection and quality must be maintained by the organization to prevent any cases of legal liability.
Secondly, the increased dependence on information technology by organizations has also increased their vulnerability. The protection of their business data and also data for their customers is crucial. The use of information technology has brought this problem, and this organization must constantly update their systems to ensure that this vulnerability is controlled.
Finally, internet trading has increased competition. An organization that is unable to implement effective information systems may lose out. Some companies may offer cheaper products affecting the market of existing organizations.
Negative impact on society
The impact on organizations and individuals coupled together will ultimately affect society as a whole. Firstly, information technology has an impact on education. The cost and inability to control the content on the internet will have a moral implication on society. In countries where the use of information technology is restricted or has a financial inability to implement such projects, education exposure will be negatively affected.
Secondly, the increase in the use of information technology increases the dependence and use of electricity. This will have a negative social implication on society.
Thirdly, computer crime and abuse cases will increase. The educated members of the society will try to gain economically from this technology and hacking has increased. Unethical and illegal activities might be done through the internet, and the targeted businesses will be affected negatively.
Fourthly, the information available on the internet might not be accurate. The internet in its free nature allows anyone to add any information on which some of the information could not be correct, and this might affect the education sector and organizations as misleading information is provided.
Finally, information technology will cause a digital divide as members of society have different financial abilities. The access of the available information will be restricted to the population that has a financial ability to purchase and maintain such technology.
Conclusion
In summary, ethical and social issues brought by the introduction of information technology have affected individuals, organizations, and societies. Individual’s lives are affected: some individuals have lost their jobs; they have limited interpersonal abilities, and continued use is causing health problems. As for organizations, the cost implications are high; the completion and the increased vulnerability of online attacks have increased.
Society as a whole has also had a negative impact as there has been an increase in computer crime and abuse, a strain on energy resources, an increased vulnerability to cyber-attacks. The presence of these potentially negative impacts means that the users should take more care when dealing with information systems and thus extra security should be put in place to ensure that their interests are protected.