The Social Impact of New Communication Technologies

Abstract

New technological trends accompanying microelectronics include dimunition, digitalization, computerization, globalization of communication, instantization, customatization, automation, robotization, and leisurization. Each of these has a profound and extensive effect in both work and social relations.

While the overall prognosis of new communication technologies is favourable and enables mankind move to a higher stage of growth and development and quality of life, a few issues are tendered which maybe especially germane in the Asian context.

One is the varying relative speed of development in communication technologies between the East and West and even among Asian countries. The usual inhibiting factors include the ability to design and implement policies which favour investment in national information infrastructures, including the ability to supply skilled manpower, an appropriate legal framework and the environment.

The cases of the Singapore ONE Network and Malaysia's Multimedia Supercorridor are strong demonstrations of these countries efforts and commitments to get into the electronic age. A clear demonstration of social and political willpower is seen in both countries. So much so, a competitive struggle to be the region's communication hub is discerned although a more cooperative complementarity approach between Singapore and Malaysia would have given them a clearer edge over the rest of the Asia-Pacific countries.

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Notes on contributors

Linda Low

Linda Low is Associate Professor, Department of Business Policy, National University of Singapore.