The Globalization of Digital Technology

As time progressed and humans traded their saddles for seatbelts, humanity soon realized how big the world is! Thanks to globalization we can fall in love through a cell phone and book a flight to meet that lover in a Starbucks across the globe. The Globalization of Digital Technology impacts our society and like a feedback loop; we influence globalization. This ongoing discussion seems to have no beginning or end so we will start during the digital revolution in the late 1950s. This time was marked by the rapid changes in society that resulted from the widespread adoption of digital technologies.

The Globalization of Digital Technology can be examined through the Natural and Applied Science lens to critically analyze its impact on exacerbating socioeconomic disparities in developing nations, the role of institutions in addressing digital literacy, and the potential of international collaboration to mitigate environmental degradation.

The cross-cultural development from the exchange of technology has impacted society by transforming modes of communication, commerce, and even culture. Globalization has worsened socioeconomic disparities and inequalities through the ‘digital divide’ (Crenshaw & Robison, 2006). Although technology has created new jobs, these jobs require specialized skills that displaced workers will likely not have. With unequal access to education, which is exacerbated as a result, low-income individuals are not likely to receive skilled positions. The globalization of technology has caused significant job displacement thus increasing the gap between those who can and cannot participate in the new technologically driven market. Widened wealth and income gaps from globalization have also contributed to the growing racial and ethnic digital divide (Francis & Weller, 2021).

Society further perpetuates this social global issue through the adoption and acceptance of new technological advances. Consumer demand for AI-powered solutions has encouraged businesses to participate in innovative efforts, thus increasing the international impact. A study of 28 European countries found that national variables, like communities, influence the perception and acceptance of robotic technologies (Jiang & Cheng, 2021). Government and policymakers have a critical role in how these digital devices, systems, and resources are improved upon. There are non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that advocate for responsible expansion and hold corporations accountable. There are many demographics, populations, and groups impacted negatively by the digital divide. Those who interact with computer-powered products and services are important because they can influence the regulation of these tools. This group is composed of consumers and end users. Despite the detrimental impact, networks such as the National Innovation System (NIS) encourage developing countries to promote innovation and technological development in order to benefit from globalization (Dnishev et al., 2016). Those lacking financial resources, located in rural areas, or ethnic minorities with linguistic barriers are impacted most by the digital divide.

I have chosen to view the globalization of technology through the natural and applied science lens. The digital divide is apparent through the lack of infrastructure supporting online access and the lack of digital literacy skills necessary for navigating the internet. The social global issue of the digital divide can be bridged to the overall topic of digital technologies by discussing digital literacy. This is the learned ability to create, evaluate, and broadcast information using communication technologies. From the natural and applied science lens, this involves examining the access to scientific information, educational opportunities, and the possibility of participating in research endeavors. Analyzing the globalization of digital technologies through this lens will involve discussing the impact of technological advancements through interdisciplinary collaborations, unequal access to scientific information, and inadequate infrastructure and computational power for the impacted demographic.

The globalization of Digital Technology has impacted how institutions conduct lessons, collaborate globally on research, and even shaped our social practices. Since globalization is a dynamic phenomenon, there are many elements involved when considering causation and effectuation. Growing global connections became possible in the 19th century due to the innovations in science and technology. The book Globalization: a very short introduction refers to communication technologies as the incubator of today's 'disembodied’ globalization (Steger, 2020).

As the major formal agency for conveying knowledge, schools are prominent elements in the process and theory of globalization. The effects have enabled institutions to connect and collaborate on research projects across borders. This expanded access to education resources and opportunities has led to global discussions about quality assurance and credential recognition (Carnoy, 2006). Globalization has a prominent role in educational philosophy and classroom practices all over the world. It has also altered the context in which educators operate. Universities are constantly used in the democratization process, which is the political transition toward a democratic system. With globalization in institutions, there is a shared consciousness of being part of a global system. This consciousness is expanded through transnational movements, and even more so with the spread of computer technology and media (Singh, 2010). Since universities play a role in the matter, it impacts the content and delivery of education.

Higher education institutions conducting research are among the main elements leading to global convergence. Globalization created bridges for connections across the world, allowing these institutions to facilitate the flow of knowledge. This shift in importance has led the cost of schooling to increase, meaning those in impoverished areas are more likely to be unable to participate. Unfortunately, this has enlarged the gap between rich and poor. Every tech advance has given birth to new disparities and social problems as digital resources are intertwined into our daily lives (Robinson, 2020). Digital inequality is the lack of access to and utilization of technology, like the Internet, within certain demographics and regions. Improving digital literacy, reducing the cost of access, and providing subsidies for low-income populations are ways to bridge the gap. Organizations are attempting to mend the geographic disparities relating to technology infrastructure. By making technology more accessible and inclusive, we can ensure that the benefits of globalization of technology are shared more equitably among people and communities worldwide.

Globalization influences how people live, work, and interact with each other. A great example of this is through the exchange of cultures and ideas. People are exposed to diverse cultures across the world through the internet and social media. The proliferation of the internet has altered communication norms and plays a part in a unified yet fragmented modern culture. A real-life example of this is the global popularity of American films, music, and fast food. The globalization of technology plays a huge role in the spread of information leading to the emergence of global movements. Growing concerns about climate change, human rights, and gender equality have sparked global support in the form of online activism.

Globalization contributes to environmental degradation when there is an increase in production and consumption. Here, there is a trade-off between economic growth and environmental sustainability. Attempting to solve global issues requires the effort and participation of multiple countries and organizations. International cooperation can be challenging and become complicated with bias. It would be best to take a nuanced and case-by-case approach toward the solution. Another factor contributing to the difficult reality of addressing issues in globalization is how time-consuming the effort would be. There would need to be a great incentive for nations, organizations, and communities to work together on this scale. Finding a working solution to the digital divide would encourage the exchange of ideas because more countries would have a meaningful role. Countries are learning from each other's mistakes to save the time and effort necessary for these technological advancements. With greater collaboration, we can work together to address pressing environmental issues. The Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015 signifying 196 nations taking a pledge to combat climate change and protect natural resources. This is a step in the right direction to make a significant difference in the climate for the better, allowing each country dedicated to sustainable practices to manage its own programs.

The globalization process promotes innovation and advances technology transmission. There was a study by Skare and Soriano to investigate the impact of globalization on the international digital adoption rate. They found that globalization improves technology adoption through the transfer of foreign knowledge, enhancing international competition (Skare & Soriano, 2021). Communities are not able to have a proper discussion on the globalization of digital technologies if they do not have a substantial rate of adoption. This concept can be noted in remote areas with traditional values, as they do not value digital advancements like Western cultures.

The globalization of digital technology is impacted by the effects of cultural imperialism. With Western values being constantly imposed on other cultures, it has changed the way individuals react toward digital technology and its implementation. There are a wide range of societies with different values which affect reasons for resistance to adoption. For example, cultures that respect tradition and community may have concerns regarding the negative effects of globalization. Another factor that influences how society perceives the globalization of digital technologies is the media. This is a challenge because it can be used with malicious intent to spread misinformation, which can harm social cohesion. This is important to consider because most propaganda begins domestically with the purpose of being spread globally. The study mentioned that foreign direct investment (FDI) is less prone to innovation than domestic attempts (Skare & Soriano, 2021). Meaning the local media and national culture truly have a huge impact on technical innovation.

One of the biggest challenges in constructive discussion regarding globalization is the educational disparities. Not everyone has access to information and communications technology (ICT), and those who do may not have the skills or knowledge to use it effectively. Globalization offers the opportunity to disseminate information quickly, but that does not guarantee that all countries can benefit, especially developing countries (Archibugi & Pietrobelli, 2003). There is a link between the entry barriers and the rate of tech adoption. A study by Fang found that by reducing entry barriers in the poorest 30% of countries led to a 12% increase in total factor productivity (TFP) and a 27% increase in total non-agricultural factor productivity (Fang, 2017). With educational disparities there is also often limited access to up-to-date information for those individuals or nations. This has the potential to further affect global understanding of events, concepts, and world news.

Although there are challenges, the globalization of digital technology has been a great tool for global communication, online activism, and humanitarian aid. It can help to connect people around the world, spread knowledge and culture, as well as foster collaboration and innovation. However, it is important to be aware of the obstacles and make an effort to mitigate them. By promoting digital literacy so that we all can use digital technology effectively, the negative effects of the digital divide can be lessened. Developing the relevant global policies and regulations can protect against the misuse of digital technology. Unraveling the complex nature of globalization involves practicing critical analysis skills that can help during day-to-day responsibilities. Discussing the impact of society’s assumptions on the adoption of digital technologies requires a nuanced perspective, which translates to the overall skill of critical thinking. In the process of critical analysis, there is a layer of media literacy necessary to discern credible sources to avoid misinformation. By working together, we can ensure that the globalization of digital technology serves as a supporting tool in the world

Critical thinking is the process of analyzing elements regarding a topic to create your judgment. Considering there is scientific misinformation everywhere it is important to practice critical analysis when assessing the validity of sources. Perspective significantly influences how individuals approach the process of critical analysis.

Prior to this Global Society class, I hadn’t thought much about globalization's impact on the world around me. Although we may not be aware of how aspects of globalization change the way we live, the effects are undeniable. I have always recognized how the world is becoming more interconnected, especially during the current information age. The globalization of digital technologies promotes collaborative research movements and advances knowledge. The chance to critically analyze the events related to my topic has shifted my perception of the world. For example, a negative side effect of globalization covered in my discussion is the digital divide. Some communities lack access to reliable internet and electronic technology because of preexisting inequalities. After learning this I began to wonder how close these marginalized communities are to me. I even began to consider how the digital divide affects the students attending schools and institutions in my local community. Critical analysis of globalization has increased my awareness regarding the digital divide and local inequalities in digital technologies.

When discussing topics we are always drawing conclusions from our personal perception, which is the way we interpret the world around us. Bias influences our perception and it affects how likely we are to accept new ideas or information. Although usually unconsciously, we develop our bias by interacting with society, observing cultural behaviors, and personal experiences. Being aware of how bias changes attitudes and actions can teach society to maintain a level of sensitivity. Since I was raised in multiple cultures, my bias allows me to be more understanding toward topics that are different from the norm. I find it easy to accept new ideas and adopt new technologies because of the way I was raised. Choosing to not consider the shortcomings of bias allows stereotypes to become the standard. Instead, deciding to understand personal bias can open your mind to different realities in globalization.

Technology is advancing at a pace so quickly that some communities are not able to keep up. The globalization of these technologies encourages the dissemination of Internet tools around the world. However, this spread is disproportionate between developed and developing countries. I do believe considering diversity during deployment and implementation would work to close the technological gap. Especially when it comes to artificial intelligence. This is because AI models are built on data sourced mostly from developed countries meaning there isn’t an inclusive environment to build models. Critically analyzing diversity can provide insight into how the digital divide occurred and continues to impact impoverished communities. It can also influence the world of technology by promoting a collective approach when designing and producing new tech products and services.

For this project, I chose to discuss the globalization of digital technologies through the natural and applied lens. With this perspective, I discussed the digital divide, collaborative scientific research, and the role of institutions. Choosing a different lens would have changed the perspective, shifted the connotation, and would involve discussing different effects. Viewing through the humanities lens would lead to mentioning the cultural impact, the philosophical implications, and transformed social interactions. The historical lens may involve touching on the emergence and evolution of digital technologies and possible future trends. Choosing to analyze the topic through the social science lens would likely concern socioeconomic dynamic changes, political implications, and data governance. Every lens provides its own valuable insights by highlighting certain benefits and limitations that play into their respective narratives.

Critically analyzing the impact of globalization on digital technologies can encourage individuals to practice media literacy. Globalization requires considering international influence and can be applied to any topic. Engaging in this sort of discussion can facilitate improved global interactions because people develop cultural understanding. Especially through the natural and applied science lens, discussing collaboration and innovation can promote awareness of diversity. Personally, participating in this sort of dialogue has influenced the way I view my major; Data Analytics. I admire the field of science and technology, however, I never considered the inequalities related to technology access and the subsequent lack of digital literacy. By understanding how globalization has negatively impacted developing countries I can interact with those from different backgrounds globally with a nuanced perspective. This is necessary because certain issues require supportive language and good judgment so as to not be insensitive toward issues. Global awareness is the ability to consider multiple perspectives to understand people from diverse cultures (Fresno Pacific University, 2018). In an interconnected world, it is important to advance social and academic success globally. All in all, critical analysis of globalization fosters an empathetic mindset and a culturally sensitive perspective. I believe this helps interactions by preventing conflict, enhancing communication skills, and promoting global collaboration for innovation.

References

Carnoy, M. (2006). Education Conference 2005: “Education and Open Society: A Critical Look at New Perspectives and Demands” Globalization, educational trends and the open society.

Crenshaw, E. M., & Robison, K. K. (2006). Globalization and the digital divide: The roles of structural conduciveness and global connection in internet diffusion*. Social Science Quarterly, 87(1), 190–207. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0038-4941.2006.00376.

Dnishev, F., & Alzhanova, F. (2016). Globalization of technological development and opportunities for national innovation systems of developing countries. The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business, 3(4), 67–79. https://doi.org/10.13106/jafeb.2016.vol3.no4.67

Francis, D. V., & Weller, C. E. (2021). Economic inequality, the digital divide, and remote learning during COVID-19. The Review of Black Political Economy, 49(1), 41–60. https://doi.org/10.1177/00346446211017797

Fresno Pacific University. (2018, December 28). What is Global Awareness and Why Does it Matter? - FPU. https://ce.fresno.edu/news/what-is-global-awareness-and-why-does-it-matter/

Jiang, H., & Cheng, L. (2021). Public Perception and Reception of Robotic Applications in Public Health Emergencies Based on a Questionnaire Survey Conducted during COVID-19. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(20), 10908. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182010908

Robinson, L. et al. (2020) ‘Digital Inequalities 3.0: Emergent Inequalities in the information age’, First Monday [Preprint]. doi:10.5210/fm.v25i7.10844.

Singh, N & Papa, Rosemary. (2010). The Impacts of Globalization in Higher Education.

Steger, M. B. (2020). Globalization: A very short introduction. OXFORD UNIV PRESS.

Zucker, Andrew (n.d.) Using critical thinking to counter misinformation. NSTA. https://www.nsta.org/using-critical-thinking-counter-misinformation