The Advantages & Disadvantages of Computerization on Globalization

In the past century, change has occurred at a more rapid rate than at any other time in history. Invention has driven this change, and the invention that has made the greatest impact has been the computer. Computerization has made the world a much smaller place, as we now have the ability to communicate with anyone in any part of the world in a matter of seconds. This has contributed greatly to the globalization of the world in which we live.

Computerization and the introduction of the Internet has made the world readily accessible to those in a position of power and influence. Computerization and globalization have enabled the highly skilled workforce in advanced countries to market themselves internationally. The introduction of the social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter has enabled people to reconnect with family and friends, as well as being the catalyst for new relationships to blossom. It has negated the tyranny of distance, as people can see each other and interact without being physically together.

Computerization and its accompanying globalization have had some surprising effects on local workforces. It is the production and middle-skilled, white collar workers that are impacted most. Their roles increasingly are being made obsolete by the advances in technology and computerization. This computerization of these tasks has also enabled them to be sent offshore, where the labor costs are cheaper.

The more personal cost of computerization and globalization is that anything published online becomes a permanent record. Therefore, acts of foolishness when using social media or other portals is unable to be erased and forgotten.

The computerization of the world has enabled international business to prosper and increase, through the introduction of portable communication devices and the Internet, which have revolutionized the manner and speed in which people are able to communicate globally. Businesses are able to have up-to-date progress reports and communicate and manage their workforce with greater efficiency. It has also been a catalyst in bringing to our attention the plight of many communities ravaged by war or natural disasters. This knowledge has brought action by the international community to assist those more vulnerable communities in the world.

Ethics have not kept pace with the computerization and globalization of the world. There still remain issues of jurisdiction concerning information published on the Internet. Another disadvantage is that countries and their economies have become too interdependent on one another. One will drag the others down with it.

The art of complex communication has been lost. Therefore, we are not building relationships, we are simply sharing simplistic information with each other. Communities in the long run will be poorer for the loss of this wisdom and applied knowledge.