Opportunities and dangers of the digital world The information society in which many of today’s children are growing up, offers instant access to a digital universe with just the click of a mouse. An unprecedented level of information is available through a computer or a mobile phone connected to the Internet. Young people are truly becoming digital citizens in an online world that has no borders or frontiers. And those children who have access to the Internet are using it more and more. A survey conducted in January 2009 by the Danish Media Council for Children and Young People found that 19per cent of the respondents aged between 9 and 10 go online every day, but this rises to 80per cent of 14 to 16year olds. This is reflected in countries around the world (see How are your children using the Internet?). The guidelines are to be produced in four parts, aimed at children, at parents, guardians and educators, at policy-makers and at industry. They are being developed by ITU in partnership with a number of organizations that are expert in the field:
Guidelines for children - Telefónica
- Children’s Charities’ Coalition on Internet Safety
- Save the Children
- Interpol
Guidelines for parents, guardians and educators - Children’s Charities’ Coalition on Internet Safety
- University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Insafe Network
- European Network and Information Security Agency
- European Commission’s Safer Internet programme
- Cyber Peace Initiative
Guidelines for policy-makers - Children’s Charities’ Coalition on Internet Safety
- United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute
- International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children
- Child Helpline International
- Interpol
Guidelines for industry - Children’s Charities’ Coalition on Internet Safety
- GSM Association
- European Broadcasting Union
- Interpol
- AfrISPA
- Telecom Italia
In developed countries, fixed broadband connection to a computer is the preferred way of going online, while in developing countries mobile Internet access is increasingly common. The benefits are obvious. For example, a range of educational services can be provided via mobiles to children in remote communities. Wherever a child lives, accessing the Internet is, more often than not, a positive and educational experience: one that helps the younger generation to understand the differences between cultures, as well as the many things they have in common. However, there are potentially negative effects too. Harmful activities include cyber-bullying and harassment, identity theft, and the possibility of children viewing unsuitable content. Predators also abuse children online by attempting to recruit them for sexual purposes, while the Internet is used for the distribution of child abuse images. Social networking sites are a particular growth area that is being exploited for online abuse of children, who might not recognize the danger of sharing their personal information with strangers (who could pretend to be children themselves). Having a profile on a social network has become an essential part of many young people’s lives, but linking to the online profiles of “friends of friends”, or joining chat rooms with strangers, can carry risks as well as entertainment and knowledge. Developing guidelines for protecting children online ITU, in partnership with a number of organizations (see box), is developing a set of guidelines as part of a global effort to protect children and young people in cyberspace and provide safer access to the myriad of opportunities and resources that are available in the virtual world. The guidelines were issued in draft form on the occasion of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2009, celebrated under the theme “Protecting children in cyberspace”. They will also be issued at the ITU/MIC Strategic Dialogue on Safer Internet Environment for Children, to be held in Tokyo, Japan, on 2–3June 2009. The aim is to produce finalized guidelines before the end of 2009 under the Child Online Protection (COP) initiative. The draft guidelines address some of the issues raised in this article, along with advice on how policy-makers might tackle the origins of abuse and how industry might help prevent its transmission. Threats to children and young people’s well-being are a challenge that must be addressed by all stakeholders, including children themselves. | FAQs
Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital Technology
| Table of Contents |
|---|
| Advantages of Digital Technology | Disadvantages of Digital Technology |
|---|
| 1. Connectivity | 1. Data security |
| 2. Access to Information | 2. Digital Media Manipulation |
| 3. Communication speed and versatile working | 3. Too much work or work overload |
3 more rowsAug 13, 2023
Opportunities: Global Connectivity: The digital era has connected people worldwide, enabling seamless communication and collaboration across borders. This facilitates business expansion, cultural exchange, and the sharing of knowledge. Access to Information: The internet has democratized information access.
What are the risks of living in a digital world? ›
The most common types of cybersecurity threats include malware and ransomware, social engineering attacks including phishing, Man-In-The-Middle (MITM) attacks, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, Structured Query Language (SQL) injection, and Domain Name System (DNS) attacks.
What are the positive and negative effects of digitalization? ›
Digitalization brings significant benefits, such as enhanced communication, improved access to education, and increased convenience. However, it also poses challenges, including privacy concerns, the digital divide, and potential adverse health effects.
How does the Digital world affect us? ›
Addiction to Digital Media
Increasingly, addiction to mobile devices, addiction to social networking sites, such as Facebook, Instagram are prevalent in our society. Excessive usage of these leads to withdrawal symptoms such as feeling anger, tension, and depression when Internet access is not available.
What are the main disadvantages of Digital systems? ›
Disadvantages to using digital signals, including digital signal processing (DSP) and communication systems, include the following: A higher bandwidth is required for digital communication when compared to analog transmission of the same information.
Why is digital world so powerful? ›
Digital technologies have advanced more rapidly than any innovation in our history – reaching around 50 per cent of the developing world's population in only two decades and transforming societies. By enhancing connectivity, financial inclusion, access to trade and public services, technology can be a great equaliser.
What are 5 positive impacts of technology on society? ›
The positive impacts experienced are extended lifespans, increased productivity, better access to information, and time-saving. The negative impacts include low communication between people, less personal time, and the spread of misinformation. Technology also has positive and negative environmental effects.
Why digital is important today? ›
It reduces costs as a result of time savings in processes. It decentralises production by facilitating mobility and remote communication. It improves operational efficiency and productivity. It opens the door to new business opportunities and revenue streams, enabling the creation of new products and services.
What are the dangers of digital life? ›
Children who overuse technology may be more likely to experience issues, including:
- low academic performance.
- lack of attention.
- low creativity.
- delays in language development.
- delays in social and emotional development.
- physical inactivity and obesity.
- poor sleep quality.
The comprehensive 2023 Global Online Safety Survey by Microsoft, which surveyed over 16,000 individuals across 16 countries, revealed a startling fact: 69% of respondents experienced online risks in the past year.
How can the digital world help in our daily lives? ›
Making it easier to communicate with friends and family.
From video call platforms to social media outlets, friends and family can connect more easily than ever before. For people who are not physically located near their community or have family members in other countries, the internet provides a bridge of connection.
What are the positive effects of digital life? ›
Perhaps the most significant advantage of living in the digital era is the ability to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues no matter where they are. Social media platforms, messaging apps, video conferencing tools, and email have transformed the way we communicate, making it easier and more convenient.
Is digitalisation good or bad? ›
One of the biggest advantages of digitalization is that it has helped businesses become more efficient and productive. With the help of digital tools and technologies, businesses can now automate their operations and reduce their dependence on manual labor. This has resulted in increased efficiency and productivity.
What does digital world mean? ›
The digital world is the availability and use of digital tools to communicate on the Internet, digital devices, smart devices and other technologies.
What are the pros and cons of Digital data? ›
Digital Transmission of Data Lesson
Examples of advantages could include that digital information is stable because it can be stored reliability in computer memory, transferred easily, and copied and shared rapidly. Disadvantages could include issues of easy deletion, security, and theft.
What is the problem in Digital world? ›
Privacy Concerns:
The digital world raises concerns about the protection of personal data and the potential for surveillance. Striking a balance between innovation and safeguarding individual privacy remains a challenge that society must address as technology continues to advance.
What are the disadvantages of Digital society? ›
Cybersecurity risks: Digital technologies can create new cybersecurity risks, such as data breaches or cyber-attacks. Potential for job losses: Digital transformation can automate tasks that were previously performed by humans, potentially leading to job loss or the need for new skills.
What is one disadvantage of living in a Digital world? ›
Additionally, living in a digital world provides easy access to information and convenient shopping opportunities. However, a disadvantage is the lack of face-to-face communication, which can make it harder to connect with others on a personal level.
