Navigating the Digital Landscape: The Impact of Digital Accessibility and Societal Implications of ICT

The implications of digital inclusion and ICT access on the quality of life of individuals and communities are significant. Research indicates that digital inclusion and ICT access have a direct impact on improving quality of life globally.

For older adults, digital inclusion serves as a crucial factor that can enhance their quality of life by providing social support and promoting social integration through modern tools. However, the digital divide poses a risk of social exclusion and declining quality of life for those who do not have access to technology, especially as society progresses towards greater digital inclusion.

Strategies to overcome barriers to digital inclusion include changing attitudes towards technology, providing digital training services, and creating a safe internet environment to enhance users' perceptions of technology usefulness. Overall, digital inclusion and ICT access play a vital role in shaping the quality of life by facilitating social connections, improving access to information, and promoting overall well-being in both individuals and communities.

The importance of digital accessibility on the context of digital inclusion and Societal Implications of ICT

Digital accessibility is a fundamental aspect of designing and developing technology products and environments to ensure that people with disabilities can access and use them without barriers. It extends the principles of inclusivity and equal access to digital content, aligning with the ethos of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applied to technology.

The importance of digital accessibility cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in creating an inclusive online environment for everyone. With over 15% of the world's population self-identifying as having a disability, digital accessibility is essential for ensuring that individuals with disabilities can interact with websites, digital tools, and technologies meaningfully.

One of the key benefits of prioritizing digital accessibility is the increase in website usability and overall customer experience. By removing barriers to access, businesses can expand their customer base and reach a wider audience, leading to improved brand reputation and on-site conversions. Moreover, complying with accessibility standards helps organizations avoid legal issues and safeguard against potential legal action.

Digital accessibility also has societal implications, as it addresses digital exclusion faced by vulnerable groups such as those in social housing, individuals on lower incomes, older people, and people with disabilities. By implementing digital accessibility strategies, organizations contribute to breaking down these barriers and empowering individuals to access education, services, and information online.

In practical terms, implementing digital accessibility involves various strategies such as providing alt texts for images, organizing content with headings, ensuring color contrast for readability, offering helpful tips for form fields, using descriptive anchor text, and providing transcripts for media content. Regular testing is also crucial to maintain compliance with web accessibility legislation and demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity, thereby enhancing brand reputation as a champion of digital inclusion.

In conclusion, digital accessibility is not just a legal requirement but also a moral and social imperative. By prioritizing digital accessibility, organizations not only improve their usability and reach but also contribute to a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape for all individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

Societal Implications of ICTs

The curated collection "Societal Implications of ICTs" in MIS Quarterly Research Curations explores the multifaceted impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on society. The collection, compiled by Krishnan, Diniz, Díaz Andrade, and Sahay (2024), includes 71 articles that delve into six thematic groups:

1. Understanding Socio-Economic Inclusion: Studies focus on how ICTs influence socio-economic inclusion, examining aspects like crowdfunding platforms, impact on women and minority groups, and the role of digital technology in marginalized communities.
2. Promoting Health and Well-Being: Research investigates the relationship between ICTs and health outcomes, including studies on health information systems, telemedicine, remote monitoring, and online health communities.
3. Caring for the Environment: Discussions revolve around the environmental impact of ICTs, highlighting initiatives for sustainable energy consumption, households' adoption of green technologies, and the role of ICTs in environmental sustainability.
4. Networking for Social Impact: This theme explores how networked platforms like social media influence societal structures, political engagement, information dissemination, and the sharing economy, with a focus on specific user groups.
5. Developing Underserved Communities: ICTs' potential in driving progress in traditionally underserved communities is examined, emphasizing collaborative efforts, technological interventions, and challenges faced by indigenous populations.
6. Enhancing Public Management: The role of ICTs in e-government services, disaster management, and citizen participation is explored, along with considerations for improving service quality and addressing corruption.

The collection reflects a diverse range of theoretical and methodological approaches, including actor-network theory, new institutional theory, social networks, and social contagion theories. It encompasses studies from both developed and developing countries, showcasing the evolving landscape of research on the societal implications of ICTs.

Furthermore, it also delves into the multifaceted impact of digital technology on society, encompassing areas like health, education, economics, politics, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. Research in this field explores the interplay between digital technology and societal structures, emphasizing individual-level concerns influenced by social media usage. Various theoretical approaches and methodologies are employed, including actor-network, new institutional, social networks, and social contagion theories, reflecting the diverse nature of the subject matter.?

Studies published in MIS Quarterly investigate a wide array of social implications, addressing issues such as gendered power relations and the broader societal transformations driven by ICTs. The research underscores the importance of understanding the intricate relationship between technology and society to navigate the complexities of the digital age effectively.

Conclusion

In today's rapidly advancing digital landscape, the significance of digital accessibility and the societal implications of ICTs cannot be overlooked. Digital accessibility serves as a cornerstone for creating an inclusive online environment, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can engage meaningfully with digital content. This not only enhances usability and customer experience but also contributes to a more equitable digital society.

Moreover, the societal implications of ICTs, as explored in the curated collection "Societal Implications of ICTs" in MIS Quarterly Research Curations, highlight the multifaceted impact of digital technology on various aspects of society, including health, education, economics, politics, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. Understanding these implications is crucial for harnessing the potential of ICTs to drive positive societal change and address pressing challenges.

As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, it is imperative for organisations and policymakers to prioritise digital accessibility and consider the broader societal implications of ICTs. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable digital society that benefits individuals and communities worldwide.

#TICs #DigitalInclusion #QualityOfLife #DigitalSociety #AcademicResearch #MISQuarterly #ICTs

Research Curation Team:

Satish Krishnan (Institute of Management Kozhikode, India), [email protected]?

Eduardo Henrique Diniz (Funda??o Getulio Vargas, Brazil), [email protected]

Antonio Díaz Andrade (University of Agder, Norway), [email protected] Sundeep Sahay (University of Oslo, Norway), [email protected]

References

Krishnan, S., Diniz, E.H., Díaz Andrade, A. & Sahay, S., “Societal Implications of ICTs,” in MIS Quarterly Research Curations, Andrew Burton-Jones and Priya Seetharaman, Eds., Link, January 2024.