Whether society as a whole was ready for it or not, technology has cemented itself as a part of every life in todays society, impacting on the way people and organisations work, learn, communicate and more. 

In relation to organisations, many have to consider many points that they did not have to in the past, and subsequently adapt to suit, or risk being left behind. What most recently comes to mind, is the impact of COVID-19 on organisations, and the ways in which organisations have used technology to their advantage to navigate through the pandemic. 

One such way is the implication of the NSW Governments COVID Safe Check-in app which is now a requirement for NSW hospitality and beauty venues in an effort to streamline contact tracing in the event of an outbreak (NSW Health, 2020). 

Similarly, other organisations have had to adapt to ensure their staff, their audience or customers and other relevant parties stay informed throughout the pandemic. Amazing new videoconferencing platforms like Zoom, Webex, and Google Meeting are being utilised and have become the ‘new normal’ for things like doctors appointments, work training, and virtual university  work placement (Mc Kenny et al., 2021, p. 2). 

Institutions like libraries have also adapted to stay relevant in a technological society, moving things like book club, discussions and readings with authors as well as modifying library activities like gaming get togethers to Zoom based meetings (Central Coast Libraries, 2021).  

However, it is also important for organisations to moderate their platform and ensure a safe environment for its users. The video-sharing social networking site Tik Tok, which comprises of approximately 689 million active users has recently been at the centre of multiple controversies including a highly circulated video of a what starts as footage of a puppy, but quickly changes to graphic imagery of a man taking his own life (We Are Social, 2021). The Australian Federal Governments eSafety office called for the laws and standards of behaviour for the real world to also be applied online, and demanded the video be removed (Readfearn, 2020).

In conclusion, the introduction and creation of Web 2.0 have allowed all of the things mentioned above to come to fruition, and it turn has allowed society to grow even in the face of setbacks like COVID-19. To succeed in this ever-changing technological society, it is imperative for an organisation to watch and follow digital trends and ensure their services remain relevant and useful for their users in a timely manner (Adner & Kapoor, 2016). 

Photo by True Gossiper 

References 

Adner, R., & Kapoor, R. (2016). Right tech, wrong time. Harvard Business Review, 94(11), 60-67.

Central Coast Libraries. (2021, February 5). Library online: Dungeon saga (online tabletop gaming via Zoom). Central Coast Council. https://www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraries/whats-on/library-online-dungeon-saga-online-tabletop-gaming-zoom

Mc Kenny, R., Galloghly, E., Porter, C. M., & Burbach, F. R. (2021). ‘Living in a Zoom world’: Survey mapping how COVID‐19 is changing family therapy practice in the UK. Journal of Family Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-6427.12332

NSW Health. (2020). COVID-19 Steps For Contact Tracing. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Documents/contact-tracing-english.pdf

Readfearn, G. (2020, September 9). TikTok video: Australian PM says distressing suicide footage must be removed. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2020/sep/08/tiktok-video-parents-and-schools-warned-after-distressing-suicide-footage-circulates-in-australia

We Are Social. (2021, January 27). Digital 2021. https://wearesocial.com/digital-2021?mc_cid=ed509b472e&mc_eid=632bbf90f7