DEMOCRATIZATION OF TECHNOLOGY

Democratization of technology refers to the process by which access to technology rapidly continues to become more accessible to more people. New technologies and improved user experiences have empowered those outside of the technical industry to access and use technological products and services. At an increasing scale, consumers have greater access to use and purchase technologically sophisticated products, as well as to participate meaningfully in the development of these products. Industry innovation and user demand have been associated with more affordable, user-friendly products. This is an ongoing process, beginning with the development of mass production and increasing dramatically as digitization became commonplace.

Thomas Friedman argued that the era of globalization has been characterized by the democratization of technology, democratization of finance, and democratization of information. Technology has been critical in the latter two processes, facilitating the rapid expansion of access to specialized knowledge and tools, as well as changing the way that people view and demand such access.

Major innovations

The Internet has played a critical role in modern life as a typical feature of most Western households, and has been key in the democratization of knowledge. It not only constitutes arguably the most critical innovation in this trend thus far; it has also allowed users to gain knowledge of and access to other technologies. Users can learn of new developments more quickly, and purchase high-tech products otherwise only actively marketed to recognized experts. Some have argued that cloud computing is having a major effect by allowing users greater access through mobility and pay-as-you-use capacity.

Social media has also empowered and emboldened users to become contributors and critics of technological developments.

Similar processes are taking place with a range of technologies. Since becoming computerized in the 1990s, digital photography has quickly overtaken film photography for a majority of users. Because of lowering prices and improved technology, digital photography has become accessible to most of the public, as well as accompanying software. In addition to becoming a popular product, digital photography has become an extremely popular form of computer-mediated communication.

The open source model allows users to participate directly in development of software, rather than indirect participation, through contributing opinions. By being shaped by the user, development is directly responsive to user demand and can be obtained for free or at a low cost. In a comparable trend,  have made electronics more accessible to users of all backgrounds and ages. The development of 3D printers has the potential to increasingly democratize production.

Industry impact

In some ways, democratization of technology has strengthened this industry. Markets have broadened and diversified. Consumer feedback and input is available at a very low or no cost.

However, related industries are experiencing decreased demand for qualified professionals as consumers are able to fill more of their demands themselves. Users of a range of types and status have access to increasingly similar technology ecause of the decreased costs and expertise necessary to use products and software, professionals (e.g. in the audio industry) may experience loss of work

In some cases, technology is accessible but sufficiently complex that most users without specialized training are able to operate it without necessarily understanding how it works. Additionally, the process of consumerization has led to an influx in the number of devices in businesses and accessing private networks that IT departments cannot control or access While this can lead to lowered operating costs and increased innovation, it is also associated with security concerns that most businesses are unable to address at the pace of the spread of technology.

Political impact

 "Democracy needs anonymity - stop data retention" (left) and "Liberty dies with security" (right).Some scholars have argued that technological change will bring about a third wave of democracy The Internet has been recognized for its role in promoting increased citizen advocacy and government transparency.

The spread of the Internet and other forms of technology has led to increased global connectivity. Many scholars believe that it has been associated in the developing world not only with increased Western influence, but also with the spread of democracy through increased communication, efficiency, and access to information Scholars have drawn associations between the level of technological connectedness and democracy in many nations.

Conclusion,
Democratization technology can enhance democracy in the developed world as well. In addition to increased communication and transparency, some electorates have implemented online voting to accommodate an increased number of citizens.

BY  FUMBUKA  SEIF  S

42554  BAPRM 3