OLJ Task 2 – The Influence of Technology on Society.
Technology is a crucial part of everyday life around the world and its influence on society continues to grow substantially affecting how individuals and organisations interact, connect, and undertake commercial transactions. In 2020 “The number of people around the world using the internet had grown to 4.54 billion, an increase of 7 percent from 2019” (We are Social, 2020) and of these users an astounding 3.8 billion use social media platforms.
With a trajectory of growth in internet users connecting to social media every year that equates to nearly half of the worlds population it makes sense that all organisations consider how this can impact them and their presence online. How organisations adapt and concur to technological advances and new platforms will ensure they connect effectively to existing and new users and safeguard their stake in the online space.
Influences of Technology
Since the introduction of Web 2.0 nearly 30 years ago organisations have had to embrace and stay abreast with technological changes to sustain their presence in their respective markets. Staying up to date with the latest technological trends and platforms can be difficult and as a result has been the downfall of some organisations. However, the steep learning curve of technological influence can pay off if the organisation takes the time to focus on its users and what they care about. ‘Choosing to direct their efforts (and budgets) on one or two proven platforms with billions of active users may provide richer developments and more efficient yield for organisations’(We are Social, 2020).
Amongst organisations in the 21st century technological society ‘one fear is of being ready too late and missing the revolution (consider Blockbuster, which failed because it ignored the shift from video rentals to streaming). The other is getting ready too soon and exhausting resources before the revolution begins’ (Adner & Kapoor, 2016). These fears highlight the importance of finding the balance between the relevance of old technologies and the success of new ones. It provides organisations with perspective and a competitive edge in the broader ecosystem of technology.
Learning to use technology to their advantage and direct their efforts to proven social platforms will enable organisations to successfully co-exist with technological changes for the benefit of both themselves and their targeted audience. There is no denying that technology has the power to influence. It is the job of organisations to promote their longevity by using technology’s cutting-edge ability to connect, interact and add value to the online experience of its users.
References
Adner, R., & Kapoor, R. (2016). Right tech, wrong time. Harvard Business Review, 94(11), 60-67.
We are Social. (2020, February 12). Digital 2020 in Australia. https://wearesocial.com/au/