The role of Communication Technologies in our society

The role of Communication Technologies in our society

Communication Technologies

Communication Technologies The current society in which we live is characterized by the continuous development of Information and Communication Technologies (hereinafter, ICT).

The standard UNE-EN 301549: 2019 Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services (Spanish version of the standard EN 301549 V2.1.2 (2018-08) defines information and communication technologies as " that technology, equipment or system or subsystem of interconnected equipment whose main function is the creation, conversion, duplication, automatic acquisition, storage, analysis, evaluation, manipulation, management,

Communication Technologies movement, control, visualization, switching, exchange, transmission, reception or emission of data or information ", including as examples of ICT to «web pages, electronic content, telecommunications products, computers and ancillary equipment, software, including applications for mobile devices, information points, and ATMs or point of sale terminals, videos, services IT, as well as the office automation teams that copy, scan and fax the documents.

ICTs are very present in our daily lives, and we can observe how, in many of the services that we usually use, a computing device in the form of a computer or digital tablet is implicit, such as an ATM or a shift dispenser in a supermarket.

Today, the use of a smartphone allows the performance of a variety of daily activities that go beyond its main function. The possibility of using mobile applications (apps) is multiplying the benefits of this device in such a way that, from our own phone, we can pay anywhere through “wallet” -type apps and NFC technology (short-range wireless technology), share images or videos instantly with family and friends, or program our home appliances (Internet of things).

The diversity of objectives that can be carried out with technology makes it a means of social and productive transformation that has changed our way of relating and getting involved in any field.

Examples of this are the emergence of videoconferencing platforms, which have made it easier for people located in different places to connect in real-time to meet, give training, or organize meetings and congresses. This technology, much more widespread as a consequence of the current health situation, has completely changed the work and training organization and is probably here to stay.

Another significant example of the expansion of new forms of communication through technology is social networks. This type of exchange space has exponentially increased the opportunities to share information, both social or recreational and work, emerging new related professional profiles, such as "Community Manager", "Social Media Manager" or "influencers".

The technology market has also introduced new forms of interaction through voice access virtual assistants (eg Alexa; Siri; Google home; etc.), increasing the possibilities of controlling the environment and offering greater intercommunication options.

In more specific areas, technology is making it easier for people with oral communication difficulties to have increasingly customizable augmentative-alternative communication devices and programs, adapting to their communication needs and demands, and adjusting to each stage of the life cycle.

The impact of ICT in all social spheres is evident and influences all age groups, although the youngest people are the ones who cope more easily and naturally in this changing technological scenario. Thus, new generations are called digital natives who have used technology from the early stages of their life, enjoy using it, and have different information-seeking and social relationships habits from previous generations.

However, for a significant part of society, this rapid development of Communication Technologies may turn out to be more of a disadvantage than a benefit. Technological changes and innovations require constant updating and recycling of knowledge and practice, which oblige technology consumers to be constantly up to date, assimilate innovations and relearn them, even assuming that, in a short period of time, they will be updated and transformed again

It is important to take into account accessibility from the design phases of new technological products so that their use does not pose significant barriers for a part of the population that requires, among other things: to hold and manipulate a device and access its menus and submenus, etc., and all this presented in a digital environment limited to a touch screen that has to be perceived and understood in order to interact.

The application of design criteria for everyone can show all the potential that technology has to adapt to the capacities and needs of people, adjusting to each user profile, presenting information in different formats and through multiple channels, and demonstrating versatility adaptation with different access and content interfaces.

In order to make visible the importance of accessibility in communication technology, as a means to facilitate and/or improve the performance of a wide variety of daily activities, this blog space will incorporate information on technological devices, computer programs, applications mobile phones, and digital services, used to provide solutions to the needs of the elderly and people with disabilities, to help them function inequality in today's digital society.