In today’s world, computer technology and information technology have become more widespread and prevalent in our daily lives. Human beings have become more dependent on computers and information technology to the extent that the dependency is inevitable. Szewczak also asserts that the dependency on computers and information technology by people has become excruciating and almost intolerable to live without. Some people view computers and information technology as tools for improving everyday life while other people also believe that computers and information technology are great sources of skills and knowledge. Therefore, computers and information technology are used to hasten human growth and development. As a result, increased use of computers and information technology has resulted into various impacts on lives of individuals. According to Forester, computers and information technology have changed the way people live, think and act (28). In my view, the impacts of computers and information technology have influenced almost all communities across the globe. Computers and information technology have influenced the way members of society relate to one another, how they create opportunities for socio-economic growth and development as well as creation of opportunities for personal prosperity. Forester also asserts that computers and information technology have also changed the way business entities, non-profit organizations and government agencies communicate or share ideas. Information technology has also changed the way in which business entities provide goods and services to customers. In that regard, this research paper aims at finding out how information technology has impacted the lives of children.
Information Technology
Information technology can be defined as the use of computers and related telecommunications equipment in storage, manipulation, retrieval and transmission of data from one user to another. It involves the use of computers and computer networks in transmission of data from one individual or business entity to another. Forester defines information technology as a set of tools, processes and methodologies such as data communications, data conversion, storage and retrieval and associated equipments that are used for collection of data and presentation of useful information to the end users. Information technology also covers transmission and distribution of information using other technologies such as radio, televisions, landline telephones, faxes, emails and mobile phones.
Impacts of Information Technology on Children
The dramatic changes in information technology have led to numerous impacts on children. For my part, changes in information technology have presented a new set of issues that affects the lives of children either positively or negatively. The major areas of concern in the lives of children that changes in information technology have greatly impacted include health, education, growth and development, communication and empowerment of children.
Information Technology and Health of Children
According to Szewczak, information technology has transformed the way health care services are delivered, managed and received. Information technology has facilitated streamlining of health care services as well as increased the accessibility of health care services, for example, the use of telehealth and telemedicine has facilitated the provision of health care services at a distance. Moreover, web-based communication tools and applications have also enabled children to learn how to effectively manage their health. Through information technology, children have taken advantage of high quality health information available online through use of internet. In addition, the computerization of personal health records for children have also facilitated provision of quality health care services to children because such records can be accessed anywhere within the computer networks and systems. This has further facilitated the provision of high quality health care services to children. Thus, changes in information technology have positively impacts the health of children.
On the contrary, Barlow and Leston argue that use of information technology also poses lots of risks to the health of children. For example, Barlow and Leston assert that more than sixty percent of children who use computers frequently usually report cases of neck and back discomfort. In addition, Brennan and Victoria also argue that here has been a consistent increase in the number of cases of repetitive stress injuries among children aged between seven and fifteen years who are heavy users of information technology equipments, especially computers. Brennan and Victoria also assert that children who use computers frequently are more likely to become obese as a result of lack of adequate physical exercise. Therefore, the overuse of information technology equipment by children negatively impacts their wellbeing.
Information Technology and Development of Children
Information technology also impacts the rate of development among children. A research study conducted by Hutchby and Moran-Ellis found out that overuse of information technology by children has considerable influence on the cognitive, social, psychological and moral development of children. According to Etzel, excessive exposure of children to information technology equipments such as televisions and computers can impair the development and functionality of the brain amongst children. Etzel conducted a review of more than fifty studies on the effects of information technology on children and concluded that although the use of information technology may increase the multitasking ability and visual reasoning among children, it greatly reduces the ability of children to tackle complex problems. In addition, excessive use of information technology equipments by children also leads to decrease in attention and concentration. Consequently, children may develop attention deficiency hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Other disorders that are likely to be developed by children due to overuse of information technology equipments include autism, coordination disorder, sensory processing disorder and sleep disorders. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) also affirms that children who use computers excessively often develop psychological disorders such as bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety.
Information Technology and Education of Children
The use of information technology has greatly impacted education among children. According to Petrides, the introduction of computers and information technology in schools has changed the way schools teach as well as how students learn. For example, the use of computers and the internet has enabled children to improve their academic performance at school. Moreover, the use of the internet also facilitates communication between children and teachers. The internet also enables children to have unlimited access to online resources, hence improve their skills and knowledge. Information technology prepares children for higher paying jobs. For example, Petrides asserts that youths who possess computing skills and other information and communication technology skills are likely to get employed soon after school than those who do not have such skills. Skills and knowledge in information technology also enable children to overcome socio-economic barriers to success. For example, use of computers and the internet in education enables children to study through distance learning module; hence geographical barrier does not obstruct their learning processes. For my part, information technology has also led to the creation of computer software and applications that promote learning among children. These applications often increase innovativeness and creativity amongst children. Certain computer games are also used as teaching tools, thus facilitating learning among children. However, Petrides warns that excessive use of information technology such as the internet in education by children may lead to laziness and acceptance of misleading information found on unreliable websites.
Information Technology and Communication amongst Children
Information technology has also facilitated communication amongst children. According to Szewczak, information technology has changed the way children interact and connect with their peers, parents and teachers. Brennan and Victoria also affirm that information technology has changed the way in which children communicate and interact. Due to advancements in information technology, today’s children communicate through electronic mails and social networking sites such as Twitter, Badoo, and Facebook. This has resulted into an increase in exchange of ideas, information, experiences and values among children. Increased interaction amongst children through information technology has also led to exchange of traditional practices and cultural beliefs amongst children. For example, children in Africa may imitate the culture of American children. This has also facilitated the embracement of cultural diversity amongst children.
Information Technology and Empowerment of Children
According to Szewczak, one of the positive impacts of information technology on children is the way technological advancements and innovativeness influence the ability of children to establish appropriate solutions to various problems their face in life. For example, the internet enables children to obtain information needed for figuring out various solutions to the problems they encounter in life. Thus, information technology provides children with the information needed for sound decision-making. Moreover, technological advancements also provide children with innovative techniques for solving problems. As a result, this impacts the ability of children to make sound decisions independently.
Conclusion
In my opinion, I would conclude by asserting that information technology has presented both opportunities and challenges to children. It has also impacted the lives of children both positively and negatively. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the various challenges or barriers imposed to children by advancements in information technology should be minimized in order to ensure that children reap the most benefits from technological advancements. In my view, information technology should be deployed or used appropriately in order to improve the lives of children. For example, information technology can be used to ensure that children get high quality education and proper health care services.