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Good morning everyone, we are the Group 9. the Today, I will be discussing the first topic
which is;

COMMUNICATION, TECHNOLOGY, AND POLITICAL CONFLICT: INTRODUCTION

TO THE SPECIAL ISSUE

In our increasingly interconnected world, the role of technology in shaping communication and
influencing political scenarios is undeniable.

As modern communication technology is emerging rapidly, with tremendous social

implications. (This means) that new and innovative ways of communication are constantly
being developed and adopted by individuals and societies. These developments have had an
impact on various aspects of our lives, and that include on how we interact with others,
access information, and conduct business.

The articles in this special issue present theoretical and empirical research on the relationship
between communication technology and political conflict and violence. There are different
pathways through which this can happen: (i) technology can facilitate collective action, (ii) allow
governments to censor content, (iii) gather intelligence about dissidents, and (iv) also audience
effects.

The contributions to this issue can be categorized into three groups . (1) the first category looks
at the effects of ‘old’ communication technologies with state-of the-art methods. (2) second
category focuses on ‘new’ communication technologies, (3) the third and last category explores
the reflection of war and violence in both traditional and new media channels.

Motivation

The growth of internet-connected mobile devices has played a major role in this. By the end of
2012, there were more internet-connected mobile devices than there were people on Earth. This
technological innovation is not limited to the developed world: the strongest growth in mobile
internet traffic will occur in the Middle East and Africa.

This trend highlight two important developments that have taken place over the last decades.

First, technology creates increasingly dense global networks of communication, linking

individuals closer to others at home and abroad. This allows people to connect and have
seamless (or smooth) communication regardless of their locations. Social media platforms like
facebook, twitter, and Instagram have change the way people connect and communicate (kay
before mosulat paman letter if they want to send some message
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kung naa sa layo ang need nila sendan ug text or message. but now, it change on how we
communicate because of the advancement of the technology)

(kay diba before its either mosulat sila and it takes weeks or months before pa nila mareceive
kay it depends on their location or motawag ka to the operator before panila ma receive but now
it change on how we connect by the advancement of the technology).

Second, the use of technology, has become more pervasive in our daily lives. With the rise of
smartphones, people have constant access to information, whether its checking emails, browsing
the internet, or accessing social media platforms, and these mobile devices have been part of our
daily routine. For example, mobile banking has become a popular way to manage finances. By
the use of mobile banking app they can check their account balances, transfer funds, and pay
bills without visiting in physical bank branch. Another example is online shopping, with the
advent of e-commerce platforms and mobile apps (like shopee, lazada or sa tiktok shop)
shopping has been replaced from (traditional brick-and-mortar stores) physical store to the
digital realm. In this way, customers can shop more conveniently and easily online.

Innovation

- What is new about modern ICT?

- What are the precise innovations brought about by the rise of modern information and
communication technology?

The technologies discussed in this special issue include those designed to transmit information
between individuals and places. This means that technologies allow
communication and exchange of data across distances. For example, you call someone or your
loved one across the country by the use of smartphones or telephones, in this, it allows
individuals to communicate with each other by transmitting voice signals over long distances.
Another examples is messaging apps like WhatsApp and social media platforms like Facebook,
which facilitate quick communication and information sharing between individuals regardless of
their location.

Using technology for this purpose; Old communication technologies including

newspapers, telephones, radio, and television have been around for many years, some even for
centuries. These technologies have played a crucial role in connecting people and disseminating
information. (like for example, before, newspapers have been a primary source of news and
information. Sauna printed pa ang mga newspaper, nay manuroy para magbaligya , providing
people the latest local news or national and
international news) but because of the rise of digital media, the popularity of newspaper have
been declining.

Modern communication technologies refer to the newer technologies that emerged over the last
decades. These technologies have change the way we communicate, connect, and share
information. One of the example of a modern technology is the internet. (the internet has
transformed) the way we access and share information. It enables to connect with other people
around the world by the use of social media, video calls, and messaging. These technologies
have transformed communication, making it more convenient, efficient, and interconnected.

The characterizing feature of these technologies is digitalization, or in other words, the

representation of the information as electronic, computer-readable pieces. Digitalization of
information makes it possible for information to be transmitted using computer-based
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channels, allowing for a number of innovations as compared to old communication technologies.
That means with digitalization, information can be converted into digital format, by that digital
information can be sent and received in real time, allowing for immediate communication. The
digital data can also be stored and organize , making it easier to access and search for specific
information.

In this following, I will discuss three innovations

1. First is the massive increased pervasiveness of digitally transmitted information,

which means that information can now be easily and widely accessed through digital
channels. Due to digitalization , the task of encoding and transmitting
information can be automated, such that computers can now take care of creating, routing
and delivering packets of information between each other. Example, you have a photo
during your vacation that you want to share with your friend who lives on the other side of
bohol. In the past, you need to send the photographic film through delivery which would
take several days or weeks. So by the use of digitalization, you can share it through posting
in youtube, facebook or send it in the messaging app. so, the video or photo is converted
into digital data and transmitted to the internet. This example indicates how digitalization
has made it convenient to share information globally.)

2. Second and related to the previous point, Nature of information transmitted can
change. Earlier technology are usually tied to a particular type of information. for
example, newspapers could only transmit text and photos, while ordinary phones
technology is limited to voice. But by digital transmission, we can send any type of
content, as long as it can be converted into a digital format. which means we can now
transmit text, photos, videos, and even voice messages through digital transmission. It
improves our ability to convey information, emotions, and experiences, making our
communication more significant. (Like, before people who live away from their loved one
use to write letters if they want to send a message but because of digital transmission,
people nowadays can send text, photos or videos in one click of their phone. They can
update their family especially to the people who work away from their loved one.)

3. The last part is Type of network used to disseminate information is changing. Earlier
technologies usually rely on either broadcast networks or peer to peer networks. A
broadcast network is one of the central node distributes information to large number of
receivers, as for example TV or radio networks. On the other hand, a peer to peer network
establishes links to the individual node. An example of this is a telephone network, where
calls can be established in all directions. The Internet can establish both broadcast and
peer-to-peer connections. It has a large number of "broadcast" websites that distribute
articles, photos, and videos to network users, similar to radio or TV networks. In recent
years, a hybrid type of network has emerged, known as "Web 2.0". In this type of network,
ordinary users can become
broadcasters through social media websites like Facebook or Twitter.

For example, users, post updates on Facebook or twitter, like during (typhoon) they can
share updates about the situation, provide information about evacuation centers, and
offer help to those in need. This way, ordinary users have the ability to broadcast their
content to a wide audience through social media platforms.

Moving on to
Effects: Why should ICT matter for conflict?

Having a basic understanding of the advancements brought by modern ICT, we can now shift
our focus to its social and political consequences, especially those associated with political
conflict. This section aims to sketch out different lines of reasoning that can be invoked when it
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comes to ICT and political violence.

As we delve deeper into this special issue and the following sections, we’ll find these recurrent
themes in the literature on ICT and conflict.

Collective Action

One of the most frequently mentioned ways that ICT is linked to political violence is through its
effect on collective action. When we say collective action, it refers to action taken together by a
group of people whose goal is to enhance their condition and achieve a common objective. The
effect should hold both for cell phone technology and the advantages it entails on the battlefield,
but also for internet based services such as twitter or facebook in driving people to join protest.
(example of this, is the protest against pork barrel on 2013, according to amnesty international, it
started as facebook post that turn into rally. The post circulated in social media mainly in
facebook and twitter, that gather thousands of people in manila and other cities. In that, ICT has
almost become the platform of change because the protest is mostly organized through social
media channels.)

Censoring

Proponents of the beneficial effect of modern ICT hold that due to the global nature of the
Internet, it should be less prone to government interference. Lets recall the distinc- tion between
broadcast and peer-to-peer architectures of networks outlined in the previous section: ‘Old’
communication technologies such as newspapers, radio or TV distribute information through a
central hub – a TV station, for example. This allows them to shape the information in their
favor, as is commonly done in dictatorships. With Internet-based communication often relayed
through servers abroad, this type of censorship appears to become more difficult in the digital
age. This can have effects on conflict motives; citizens that are exposed to unfiltered
information from abroad may become aware of their own situation and more critical of the
regime.

Intelligence

Information flows in digital networks, however, may also provide new opportunities for
intelligence-gathering. Recent revelations about the advanced monitoring capabilities of
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Western intelligence agencies have confirmed suspicions regarding how digital technology can
be utilized to track users and the information they transmit. This automation of information
transmission has made it possible to automate the collection of intelligence, which dramatically
expands the number of users and volume of traffic that can be processed. When we say
intelligence gathering, it is a process of collecting information on threats to people, building or
even organization and using that
information to protect them.

Audience effect

The audience effect refers to the impact of digital communication. Since digital communication
has the capability to convey more detailed and graphic accounts of events on the ground, as for
example the gruesome material on violence in Syria conflict. Therefore, parties involved in a
conflict must be increasingly mindful of the
potential repercussions their actions can have elsewhere.

According to Robinson, with little control over what information about a conflict is reported,
pictures and videos of violence can quickly go viral, possibly contributing to triggering foreign
policy responses. ,
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Now, lets dive into
Contribution to the special issue

The contributions to this special issue attempt to address these theoretical and empirical
challenges. These contributions fall into three main categories. Rather than being overly
enthusiastic about new ICT and its effects, it seems useful to take a step back. This is why a
first group of articles analyzes the effects of ‘old’ communication technologies with state-of-
the-art methods. A second group of articles focus on the effects of modern ICT trying to gauge
their effect on conflict both theoretically and empirically. The third and last category of articles
reverses this question, and looks at the reflection of war and violence in (traditional and new)
media channels.

 The first part of the special issue focuses on examines mechanisms that are
often associated with the debate surrounding both “new” and “old” media.
This means that the issue explores the various parts and processes that are commonly
discussed when comparing and contrasting new forms of media, such as social media
and digital platforms, with traditional forms of media, such as print and broadcast
media.

 The second part of the special issue includes the majority of articles, and looks
specifically at the effects of “new” technologies.

. This means that the issue dive into the effects and the importance of emerging
technologies, such as artificial intelligence,or virtual reality, on various aspects of
society, culture, and communication.

 The last part of the special issue takes a different perspective and examines the impact
of conflict on digital discourse.
This means that the issue explores how conflicts, whether they are social, political,or
cultural. It affect the way people communicate and interact in the digital realm. It
investigates how digital platforms and technologies are used as tools for expressing and
engaging in conflicts, as well as how conflicts shape the dynamics of online
conversations and communities.

The articles in this section aim to shed light on the complex relationship between
conflict and digital discourse and provide insights into the challenges and opportunities
for constructive dialogue and understanding in the digital age.
 For conflict researchers, this is interesting for two reasons. First, reports in the new
media are often first-hand accounts of ongoing events, and thus a more detailed
resource of information about activity on the ground. Second, violent conflicts generate
their own dynamics in the digital realm. An article by Zeitzoff, Kelly & Lotan (2015)
shows how Twitter can be utilized as a tool to probe into policy discussion, using the
Iran-Israel as an example. The analysis demonstrates the power of this approach and
how it can be extended beyond English sources to Farsi and Arabic. Another article by
Baum & Zhukov (2015) provides a offers a fresh look at reporting bias in news
coverage of revolutions, and reminds us to treat news reports with a sufficient amount
of caution. While outlets in democratic contexts emphasize revisionist ideas, the
opposite is true for those in non-democratic regimes.
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INFORMATION SHEET

Pros & Cons of Technology in Business Today

Technology has revolutionized every part of business operations and how they are conducted in
the 21st century. From small businesses to large corporations, companies use technology to
transform how they operate and engage with their customers. With the right technology,
companies can streamline operations, make better decisions, deliver a better customer
experience, and maximize returns. The role of technology in business is to enable companies to
operate more efficiently, effectively, and competitively. Technology provides businesses with
tools and solutions that help them make smart decisions based on accurate data analysis.

While technology offers an array of benefits to businesses, it also comes with many potential
drawbacks.

Benefit: Saving Money

One of the biggest advantages of technology in business is cost savings. Saving money in
business is important for several reasons. By using technology to automate various processes
and tasks, businesses can reduce operational costs. For example, the use of digital
communication tools like email and video conferencing eliminates the need for expensive travel
and accommodation expenses. Also, technology facilitates remote work and flexible work
arrangements. Additionally. There are a number of software programs that can help businesses
manage their finances, such as bookkeeping and accounting software.

Benefit: Saving Time

Technology allows businesses to automate repetitive tasks, which helps save time and allows
employees to focus on more important and strategic activities. For instance, the use of customer
relationship management (CRM) software can automate sales and marketing processes, freeing
up time for sales teams to build customer relationships and close deals. Technology provides
powerful tools for data processing, analysis, and reporting. With the help of software and
algorithms, businesses can quickly analyze large volumes of data, identify trends, and make
data-driven decisions. This significantly reduces the time required for manual data processing
and analysis. Moreover, technology enables faster communication and collaboration, leading to
increased productivity and quicker decision-making.

Drawback: Dependency

The excessive usage of technology makes employees and workers dependent on technology in
working. Businesses become vulnerable if their technology systems fail or experience
disruptions. Relying heavily on technology means that any technical issues or system failures
can significantly disrupt business operations. This can result in
downtime, loss of productivity, and potential financial losses. For example, a power
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outage or a cyberattack can disrupt operations and lead to significant financial losses. Therefore,
businesses need to have backup plans and invest in robust cybersecurity measures to mitigate
these risks.

Drawback: Need to Upgrade

Technology is constantly evolving, and businesses need to keep up with the latest advancements
to stay competitive. This means that businesses may need to invest in regular upgrades and
updates to their technology infrastructure, which can be costly. Upgrading technology can be
expensive, especially for small businesses with limited budgets. The cost of purchasing new
hardware, software licenses, and training employees can be a significant financial burden. It can
also require downtime for
installation, configuration, and testing. This can disrupt business operations and result in a loss of
productivity and revenue during the upgrade process. Older technology may have vulnerabilities
that can be exploited by cybercriminals. However, upgrading technology also introduces new
security risks, as hackers constantly find new ways to exploit system weaknesses.

Effects on Customers

Technology can have both a positive and negative effect on your customers. Some of the

positive effects of technology on customers are;

(i) Technology has made it more convenient for customers to engage with businesses.
They can explore, shop, and interact with businesses from their homes using online platforms,
mobile apps, and e-commerce websites.

(ii) it provides easy access to information about products, services, and businesses.
Customers can read reviews, compare prices, and gather information before making a purchase
decision.

(iii) facilitate better communication between businesses and customers. customers can reach
out to businesses through various channels such as emails or social media to ask questions, seek
assistance, or provide feedback. This kind of communication improves customer support and
builds stronger bonds.

While some customers may enjoy the convenience of paying bills online, there are also some
negative effects that customers may experience.

(i) With the increased use of technology in business customers may have concerns about the
invasion of their privacy and security. Data breaches, identity theft, and unauthorized
access to customer data can destroy trust and make customers hesitant to share their
information online.

(ii) technology-driven interactions can sometimes lack the personal touch that comes with
face-to-face interactions. Customers may miss the human connection and personalized
service that they would receive in physical stores or through direct communication.
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(iii)customers may experience technical issues or glitches that can lead to frustration, delays,
and a negative customer experience. For example, slow-loading websites, payment processing
errors or system crashes can disrupt customer's experience.