Technological developments are significant trends in the modern world. Innovations have been adopted in all areas of the contemporary life, including home and work. Through my Information Management Course, I have taken a reflection on various changes that have happened in our lives. Looking around, I realize that we heavily depend on information technology to perform almost all tasks. Therefore, technology has influenced business operations, organizational structures, and the way people communicate and interact with each other in different work and social contexts. The novelty of instant communication and regular online interactions may not have much impact on older generations, but they are playing a central role in the lives of the younger Americans. After studying the course, I realize that some youths in society have never experienced a technology-free reality. As a result, they have become completely attached to various information systems, including the social media.
The course introduces an aspect of a tech-dependent lifestyle, which is common among the new generations of Americans. The change is inevitable and irreversible. One of the significant impacts of technology on our work and at home is improved communication. People depend on Wi-Fi-enabled devices to work and communicate. Before taking the course, I did not realize the importance of these gadgets in basic tasks, such as raising the children. Parents depend on the internet for accessing relevant information about their role. For example, mothers obtain information on the various milestones their children undergo to understand challenges and ways to overcome them. People consult the internet for information on how to perform multiple tasks, including cooking, baking, and even fixing gadgets in the house. Online applications have replaced user manuals in many technical aspects even at home.
The proliferation of technology and information systems has completely changed the contemporary workplace. After enrolling in the course, I have taken more time to reflect on the transformations in the modern office. The current workplace would be unrecognizable to older personnel because of the increasing reliance on information and communication systems. Probably, today’s employee would not work without video conferencing, emails, Smartphones and tablets, laptops, and other recent technologies. Information systems and communications technologies are indispensable in the current economic setup. In fact, their inventors spent resources and time trying to design new or improve the existing systems to enhance work and make life easier for their users. The trend will continue to develop in future as technology experts perform research on new developments and innovative ways of improving the workplace.
Technology has completely changed the way we communicate. Through my studies, I realized that the constant social media presence has become a social norm. The youths and young adults maintain a robust online presence in various social media applications, such as Twitter and Facebook. Social networking sites have become the most important sources of information and communication tools for the current generation. The technological developments have created possibilities for businesses and personal lives, making the world a global village. For example, marketers use the social media to promote their products, connect with customers, and sell goods. At a personal level, people interact with geographically dispersed friends and relatives as if they are in the same room. The social media has closed the time and geographical space for users.
Technology has affected our time because of spending many hours on the innovative gadgets. Throughout my course, I have spent time reflecting on the nature of dependence on technological tools. Consequently, I realize that one hour barely passes before having an access to one of the devices. The reality is reflected in simple actions such as checking time on the phone or pausing to respond to a text or answer a phone call. Interestingly, sometimes one can wake up in the middle of the night to communicate through a smartphone or a tablet. Therefore, although technology is beneficial in promoting interactions, it can be addictive. Younger users are engaged on technological tools as they access social media platforms. Consequently, the overdependence on technology affects other areas of their lives, including direct communications, since online interactions can isolate them. Many individuals spend most of their time on the media, neglecting other critical areas of their lives, such as education and work.
The course has provided valuable insights into the impact of technology on various aspects of life at work and at home. I have reflected on the effects of the innovative applications at a personal level and realized that they have completely changed my life. I represent the modern user who is almost dependent on technology for virtually every activity at school, home, and work. The contemporary generation has not lived in a world without technology and might not know how to exist in such an environment. As a result, technology has adverse effects on their lives. The trend is irreversible as the world continues to witness an increase in innovations that will still transform the way we communicate and interact with others in various settings.