IMPACT OF INTERNET ON GOVERNMENT PROCESS
Technology has revolutionized almost all aspects of human society. From various disciplines like medicine, law, and education, technology, and the internet has made access and retrieval of different information quick and easy. However, this revolution has been marked with immense challenges regarding its overall impact on the human community, like the disintegration of social institutions, reduced critical thinking, as every information is available just by a click on the electronic gadget. That notwithstanding, the tremendous impact of technology on communication cannot be gained said. Many governments all over the world have incorporated the use internet in various scales to increase efficiency and effectiveness on the general performance of the different sectors in the economy. This article sets to look into how various government processes have been aided through the internet to carry out multiple operations or functions that were initially impossible to attain.
First and foremost, the internet has birthed the concept of e-participation by the government. There is a worldwide realization of the significant power of Information Communication Technology (ICT) as a fundamental tool in delivering services. With globalization and ever-increasing population growth, governments cannot fully serve from the physical location of their offices but rather engages in the use of technology to aid in its performance (Twizeyimana &Anderson 2019, p.169). Both in the private and public sectors. In many thriving democracies globally, the use of electronic participation has revitalized democratic processes in which geographical location does not inhibit the democratic processes of citizens, thus ushering in new dawn altogether. For instance, during the electioneering periods, many governments in both developed and developing nations of the world provide an opportunity for online voting for the out -of -country population (Hilbert 2009, p.91). This refers to the population outside the geographical confines of a given country. By providing such opportunities, the government re-emphasizes the civic right of her citizens to take part in electing the leaders of their choice. For example, Estonia started the internet voting program in 2005, which, despite the existing security challenges, had allowed citizens to exercise their democratic rights through the smart ID card.
Secondly, many governments have incorporated the culture of applying for jobs online through verified official websites. There is no doubt that the internet has revolutionized various initial perspectives that were witnessed before in private and public sectors of may many nations in the world. The practice of online application has taken over the old dispensation where any job application had to be presented either physically through post offices. With the internet has come the use of email where citizens are enabled to channel their application more effectively and efficiently (Netchaeva 2002, p.469). At the same time, many ministries of the government have developed the use of verified official portals in which job applications can be submitted. This has helped the government to manage time and resources more effectively because of the increased efficiency. Equally important, it has enabled the citizens living outside their own countries to get the same opportunity with those in the country for the same job (Twizeyimana &Anderson 2019, p.170). Such interactions increase the participation of citizens in the constructive building of their economies and political stability.
Also, the use of social media has become integral in the sensitization of the public and furthering the democratization process, especially in this era of the information age. Joyce (2015,p.497) argues that governments all over the world instill the use of social media to convey information critical to their functioning and expediting of their duties. As such, sensitization programs, advertisements, and promotions of various social and political issues become central to the use of the internet. For instance, during this Coronavirus pandemic period, a majority of governments have taken them to their social media handle to increase awareness and sensitize the larger population on the precautionary measures that must be emphasized. Through the use of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, the government can reach out to the majority of her population within a short time. Therefore, measures like keeping social distance, embracing testing if need be, and the role of lockdowns among other measures geared towards flattening the curve as served by the government through such sites to inform the public. Equally, the government is enabled to get feedback from the vast majority, which can inform in policy formulation and decision making.
Accordingly, the internet has assisted in the development of e-government, which has been integral to many governmental agencies ( Natchaeva 2002, p.67).To a large extent, many people often prefer the activities they are directly involved in, as that eliminates mistrust and instills confidence in the several events one is interested in. It’s in this regard that many governments are pushing for the same. For instance, in tax administration, many taxpayers prefer to file their taxes online, otherwise known as e-filing. This preference is pegged on its convenience as it’s available throughout 24 hours a day throughout the week. As a result, the taxpayers are enabled to submit their tax returns conveniently at the most preferred time possible and with ease that comes with it. In this sense, the citizens can correspondingly develop a sense of trust as they are engaged in the actual process on their own. Through such policies, the government is enabled to reduce revenue costs; only a few personnel will be required to aid in filing returns. The process also will inform the government more readily on the taxpayer’s financial records, which could be used to determine lending and borrowing.
Besides, the incorporation of electronic conferencing has become a pillar for not only business organizations but governmental institutions as well (Astrom et al., 2012, p.144). The 21st century is marked with a robust paradigm shift that has so far been intensified by globalization and advances in communication technology. With the stiff competition on the global market, both in diplomatic relations and commerce, various government bodies are operating in strict schedules that sometimes do not offer room for conferencing and democratization processes. However, through the use of the internet, they are enabled to use digital communication tools like Skype and video conferencing upon which important deliberations can be made. Therefore, this implies that management and general performances are uninterrupted as consensus can be built, and decisions are made without consideration of the existing barriers.
Also, the internet has provided the governmental agencies with surveillance network programs which are essential in giving vital security information. Through the use of a global positioning system (GPS), the government is enabled to maintain social order, recognize and determine security threats and eventual prevention (Bradshaw &DeNardis 2018, p.333). The use of GPS has significantly improved the security depth of many countries as it’s the first source of preventive measures through the data that is observed before preventive measures are laid. As such, the security agencies of many countries can now easily fast track an enemy at the border or within the country such as surveillance programs.
Conclusively, the impact of advances of the internet on human society is self-evident in almost all spheres of human interest. It’s the implication on the government processes is astounding as it has eased the hectic processes that exited before and replacing them with anew rigorous order.