IMPACTS OF ICT IN SOCIAL CHANGE DURING PANDEMIC

IMPACTS OF ICT IN SOCIAL CHANGE DURING PANDEMIC 

Technology plays an important role in how we live today, especially amid pandemics. With these amazing ICT skills, we can use them in various ways in which we can benefit a lot from them. For example, are applying it to jobs and the education system to assess our situation right now. It makes sure that even though we have restrictions and limitations because of the COVID-19, we can still have a more productive and creative life. On the other side, having these ICT skills can result in social changes. But what are these ICT impacts on socialization?

source: https://stereoinmotion.com/en/2016/07/06/technology-socialization/

Before the pandemic, we all have our normal lives. Everyday we can physically interact with our friends, family, acquaintances, and basically with anyone. Little did we know, this "normal" life we have would change in a snap. 

On March 8, 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation 922 placing the entire Philippines under state of public health emergency because of the COVID-19. All of a sudden, our lives changed. We  weren't prepared for this change. It affected millions of people. It has a lot of effect on us. One of the effects of the pandemic is how we socialize. Using technology, socializing without physical contact was possible. What are these impacts?

EDUCATION

Since we are in the mid of pandemic, we are all advised to stay home. As to this, our education was affected. We can't go to school because of the virus. To be able to learn without going to school, we had to use technologies. Online class was implemented in the Philippines. For online class to work, we had to use devices and gadgets like laptops, cellphones, computers, tablets, and more. Aside from devices, we needed internet connection to use applications for online class. The importance of technology was obviously seen when the pandemic started. Technology is very useful for our online education. We use it to attend online class and communicate with our teachers and classmates. Without the technology, our education would be sacrificed. 

WORK

source:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=engoEgGBHUw

Aside from students, a lot of workers struggled too. Some of the workers, specially the office workers had to stay home as well because of the threat of the COVID-19. They called it "work from home." To do this, people needed technology. Most of the people had to buy laptops and computers to do their office works at home. Compared to our normal lives before, instead of having co-workers, now they just had to work by themselves, physically but they could still communicate through the use of gadgets and video calls. They can still have a meeting but this time, virtually. It has disadvantages since, some people is having technical difficulties like weak internet connection, loss of audio, and more. Unlike in person, we can hear everyone loud and clear.  

MEDICINE

Normally, If we are sick and we know we need to see a doctor we'd immediately go see a doctor in a hospital. Hospital was our safest place to go to when sick. But since the pandemic happened, ironically, hospital became the most dangerous for us. 

Since most of the patient at the hospitals are COVID-19 patients, we have to be very careful not to catch a virus from them. Most people who only need a check up or consultation doesn't feel safe going to the hospital. And because of this, hospitals and doctors started having online consultations. 

With the use of the technologies and internet, doctors can now do consultations virtually without the patient needing to go to the hospital. Through this, their health wouldn't be risked. It's safer.

Overall, people are blessed by the existence of ICT or technology. We can't deny the fact, that most of us already depended our lives on it, especially in our situation right now. It is a big help for the education of the students to continue through online and modular learning. Technology also made it possible for adult ones to have work from home and continue earning. Indeed, ICT becomes a great help to our lives and the country's economy. We were able to have successful socialization and stronger connection even virtually. But remember, to not overuse this technology and have limitations. We must not risk our well-being and prioritize our health. 

Use technology wiser and in a good way. Let our ICT knowledge continue to grow for the betterment of people and our country now, up until the next generations.