This article will familiarize you with the definition, advantages and disadvantages of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). It is important that you read carefully to understand the basic concepts of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
The definition
Information and Communication Technology (ICT), or Information Technology (IT) for short, refers to the use of computers and telecommunications technology and devices to produce, manipulate, store, transmit and retrieve information in a secure manner .
ICT tools
They are the tools or gadgets that are used to locate, explore and exchange information. They include the following devices:-
• Computers: desktops, laptops, notebooks, PDAs, mainframes
• Phones
• Mobile Phones (GSM)
• Fax machines
• Television set
• Satellites
• Internet
Advantages of ICT
The following are the advantages of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT):
1. Provides timely, better and cheaper access to knowledge and information.
2. Streamlines business transactions, productions and management processes.
3. ICTs have made it possible for people all over the world to access the Internet in new and exciting ways.
4. With ICT tools, business deals and transactions have come closer.
5. It provides a very reliable, flexible, fast and accurate means of disseminating information in modern times.
6. It provides employment opportunities and opens up new career fields for people from all over the world.
7. It is also one of the best means of giving instructions in schools.
Disadvantages of ICT
Despite its many benefits, ICT has few limitations, some of which include:
1. Loss of jobs: The application of ICT in offices can reduce some jobs, since manual jobs and tasks are being automated.
2. Expensive: ICT components and tools can be expensive and unaffordable for the general public.
3. Loss of Social Link: The implementation of ICTs in all spheres of life is limiting personal human relationships and physical contacts as more work and interactions are based online.
4. Crime: ICT can lead to an increase in crime ratings. People are being scammed online. Cyber crimes such as identity theft, credit card scams, hacking, and hacking are on the rise. The internet is flooded with cyber criminals like hackers, perverts, and stalkers.
5. Abuse: This is another disadvantage of ICT. Some examples include pornography (especially child pornography), plagiarism, cyber warfare, spam emails, etc.
6. Addiction: The use of ICT is addictive. Obsessive users can be found spending hours online. This behavior can lead to stress and other health-related complications.
Many parents also believe that the most common adverse effects of ICT may include their child coming into contact with aggressive or inappropriate content, jeopardizing their physical health (visual impairment, stiffness, spinal injuries) as a result of prolonged sitting in front of the computer, obesity, and loss of contact with the real world that leads to addiction. In addition, they also highlight all the positive effects that are the acquisition of new knowledge and skills that the child can benefit from IT for a future job. Parents who feel that the use of ICT is more harmful than beneficial for their child; they argue by affirming their opinion that a four-year-old child is too young to be exposed to ICTs.