Week 4: Session 5

In session 5, we looked at Information and Communication Technology (ICT): How it started off in the past, how it is being used in the present, and the developments it will enable in the future.

The internet has gone through an enormous amount of progress since it was first developed. We talked about the 3 generations of the internet, and how they advanced over the years.

The first generation was Web 1.0. It facilitated one way communication where information would be communicated by one person, to many. There wasn’t really any room for the interaction of web-users, which we see today. The next generation Web 2.0, brought about a more interactive environment on the internet. This is the generation we’re predominantly in, at the moment, where we are “prosumers”, and don’t just consume the content on the internet, but produce content as well.

Web 3.0 takes internet usage to a whole new level. It enables the connection of various devices through the internet, to perform an extensive range of tasks to meet our individual needs. We’re already in the age of Web 3.0, however only to a very limited extent. As we continue to develop more uses for it, it will revolutionize the way people interact with each other, as well as with devices. The ground breaking developments that Web 3.0 will enable are imaginable in the near future, as the technology to do so, already exists.

However, though the internet has many positive uses and enables greater communication, it also has negatives in the form of invasion of privacy, identity theft, and other security concerns. It is important for users to be aware of such threats, and use the internet wisely.

ICT also serves as a driver for technological developments in other fields as well, such as the BioBusiness Revolution, Robotics, etc. 

Though ICT is widely used today, its full potential is yet to be harnessed, in order to contribute to bigger concerns like poverty alleviation, universal education, bridging the digital divide, and so on.

However, keeping in mind the negative impacts that such technology can have, it is important to find a right balance while utilizing it, such that we do not grow entirely dependent on it, and sacrifice human relations in the process.