Information Technologies and Globalization Ruination vs. Ripples

Abstract

Technology is defined as a device to compensate for human physical,
psychological, and mental limitations. It is usually neutral, but can have
functional and dysfunctional aspects based on its users’ intentions.
Historically, the technological haves have justified the existence and possession
of new technologies, have publicized their own innocence and
sense of responsibility in using them, and have asserted the innocuousness
of their devices without necessarily sharing all of their secrets. Concerned
and helpless, the technological have-nots have resisted them and, having
suffered their deadly devastation, have tried to obtain them at great risk to
themselves. However, the situation of information technology/-ies (IT) is
different and more interesting. The haves have attempted to popularize
their use globally for commercial and other reasons. Many have-nots are
embracing them wholeheartedly, while some are more cautious.
One motivation behind the use of these technologies is globalization.
The increasingly popularized term globalization is rather vague and complex,
allowing a variety of interpretations and hidden intentions. The
have-nots seem to see it as the West’s redoubled efforts at Westernizing
the world with all its pains, pleasures, and perversions; as achieving political
hegemony as the sole superpower after the end of the Cold War; and
as the “opening up of the globe” for commercial control on its own terms.
Initially the world, especially the nations of South Asia, saw for themselves
a rare opportunity in the globalization of trade and IT. But since the
contagion has now spread, rather too fast, across the globe, the world can
see more clearly both the prospects and the problems of these two major
global trends. The purpose of this paper is to identify various issues
involved in these trends, and to discuss, in greater depth, some of them,
namely, global business, the promise of technology, and the globalization
of media and culture ...