Digital technology is defined as the use of electronic devices to save, generate, or analyze data, as well as the facilitation of communication and virtual interaction on social media sites via the internet. Due to social distancing rules and countrywide lockdowns, the Covid-19 pandemic has inevitably increased the usage of digital technologies. People and organizations around the world have had to adapt to new work and lifestyles. In short, we can see the direct relation between digital technology and Covid-19.
As a result of increased digitalization, more businesses and educational institutions are adopting work-from-home policies (WFH). Blockchain technology will become increasingly essential, necessitating design and regulatory studies. The number of freelancers and the gig economy is anticipated to grow, generating concerns about job allocation, communication, inspiration, and issues of work overload and absences. With a rise in digital presence, workplace supervision and internet addiction issues will become more prevalent.
Impact of digital technology in Covid-19 pandemic
Almost all countries have imposed lockdowns as a result of the pandemic’s growth, closing down activities that involve human gatherings and contact, such as colleges, schools, malls, temples, offices, airports, and train stations. Because of the lockdown, most individuals have turned to the internet and internet-based businesses to interact, socialize, and continue their jobs from home. When compared to pre-lockdown levels, usage of Internet services has increased from 40% to 100%. Zoom, a video conferencing service, has seen a tenfold rise in usage, while Akamai, a content delivery provider, has seen a 30% rise in content utilization.
1. Growing Digitalization
As the use of video and audio conferencing tools grows, businesses will upgrade their IT infrastructure to accommodate the increase. This will result in greater spending on bandwidth expansion, network equipment, and cloud-based applications. Firms will adopt WFH as the standard rather than the exception as employees become accustomed to working from a home, meeting, and transacting online. Many businesses are adopting this strategy because they have the necessary digital infrastructure in place to handle the requisite traffic and connectivity.
Another sector where there has been a significant move to online transactions is education. Schools, colleges, and universities throughout the world have switched to video conferencing technologies like Zoom and Google Meet since the lockdown began. In addition to these synchronous modalities of tuition, asynchronous platforms such as edX and Coursera have experienced a surge in enrollments.
2. Work-from-home and Gig Workers
Online platforms that recruit workers on an ad hoc, short-term, and generally informal basis, fuel the gig economy. Uber and Airbnb, as well as Ola and Swiggy in India, are well-known examples. Since the widespread availability of smartphones in 2010, these platforms have evolved tremendously. People hired by these portals have struggled greatly as a result of the shutdown, as a need for their services, such as taxi rides, rentals, and skill jobs, has gone. Furthermore, because these individuals were not promised a salary, their earnings plummeted.
In the aftermath of the epidemic, manufacturing and service firms are likely to resume their previous activity, resulting in a gradual return of gig economy workers in the immediate term. However, as the potential of infection and spread decreases, we expect the gig economy to prosper in the long run. The WFH culture will also influence this.
3. Technostress and workplace monitoring
Another feature of digital technology used by huge segments of the workforce is continuous workplace monitoring and being on-the-job all of the time. Those who utilize video conferencing equipment to work from home are scrutinized intensely, and all interactions are “hyper-focused.” Bosses and supervisors can contact and track subordinates at any time using digital technology, knowing that they can be accessible at any time. Though there is some early evidence that this has resulted in higher productivity, it has also resulted in increased job stress as staff are required to master new technologies, be ready for work almost at all times, be constantly connected to digital devices, and multitask.
4. Fraudulent activities on the internet
We are currently seeing an increase in online fraud, scams, invasions, and security breaches as a result of the increased usage of digital technology. The epidemic has created an environment of insecurity that encourages fraudsters to take advantage of the crisis situation by stealing money or information or exploiting vulnerabilities. Many people, some for the first time, are beginning to rely heavily on digital resources, and they are targeted for fraud and scams. Organizations and governments are aware of the problem and are taking steps to mitigate it. For example, certain countries have taken a firm stance against Zoom meetings for educational purposes, compelling the platform provider to improve security.
5. Digital money
In the aftermath of a pandemic, digital payments and digital currencies are expected to play a critical role. Governments will support digital payments because they are contactless, and they will undoubtedly experience a surge. The gig economy and work-from-home circumstances will also help.
Digital Devices
It is not possible to discuss digital technology without digital devices. A digital device is a piece of physical equipment that uses digital data, such as by sending, receiving, storing or, processing it. So let’s discuss the essential digital devices without which our lives come to halt.
1. Desktop Computers
No doubt, the desktop computers are gradually replaced by laptop. However, they are still in use in many departments. Students use these computers in a more comfortable way as compared to laptops. Many work places utilize these computers for their business purposes.
The Take Away
The COVID-19 epidemic was accompanied by limitations, regulations, and instructions to stay at home. People remained indoors, offices remained closed, playgrounds remained deserted, and streets remained devoid of human contact. Many people were unable to return home, many were stranded in faraway locations, and many were alone. As a result, the use of digital devices has skyrocketed all across the world. People of all ages are being driven to rely on digital platforms. Education, shopping, working, meeting, entertaining, and socializing all went online at the same time. In this case, digital technology turned out to be a blessing in disguise, allowing people to stay emotionally attached despite their social distance.
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