Technology provides new innovations and inventions that shape the style of the lives of people across the world. It helps integrate new techniques and scientific discoveries into everyday life, which increases the world's standard of living. Moreover, technology is an ever-changing concept, offering fresh breakthroughs and applications frequently. One form of technology that has taken the world by storm is digitalization, which creates the binary electronic digital systems used in electronics and computing. Digitalization affects nearly every aspect of our lives today.
The Facts
According to the Business Dictionary, digitalization is defined as the integration of digital technologies into everyday life. Modern cameras, television, phones and computers are all examples of digital technology. Prior to the digital system, most technologies ran on the analog system. An analog system uses a continuous signal that varies in amplitude to represent a variable, such as voice or data, rather than having a limited range of steps like a digital system. A digital system uses a binary numeric system in which electronic pulses are represented by either 1 for a high pulse or 0 for a low pulse. Digital systems can more easily represent symbols, such as alphanumeric characters that represent real-world data, than the analog system.
History
The first widespread use of digital technology was in telephone communication and music recordings. Digitally transmitted signals allowed for better sound quality preservation than analog signals. Yet, there was one major drawback to digital signals. It took several digital signals to equal one analog signal. Digital technology did not flourish until the invention of computers that could compress digital signals.
Effects
Digital technology has led to a process known as convergence. Convergence is the merging of all types of information into one common digital form. Converting all electrical impulses to digital has led to digitalization, as digital technology is used more and more in everyday life. The computer is one of the biggest factors contributing to digitalization. A computer and an Internet connection allow us to send email, share files and connect with other people all over the world through online social communities. In addition, a seemingly endless stream of information is available to us by way of digital technology over the Internet.
Benefits
Digitalization allows people to have access to information instantly. Moreover, it presents opportunities that were unheard of in the past. People from various countries can communicate instantly online or over the telephones. Television broadcasts allow people access to news about what is happening in various locations around the world. Plus, digitalization serves many practical purposes, such as aiding law enforcement in finding and convicting criminals.
Potential
Digitalization increasingly offers employees the opportunity to work from home. It allows singles to meet and date online. It is implemented in the classroom at schools across the world. It could lead to a completely virtual classroom that requires no teacher. It may lead to the elimination of cash tender. New uses for digital technology are being developed every day.
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