ICT in society and society in ICT

It is undeniable that the information revolution is having a profound effect on society. Indeed, the past two decades have seen information and communication technologies (ICTs) become ever more central to the world's economy and culture; and the virtual society is increasingly a reality in everyday life. To those that have access to these new technologies and the new opportunities they enable, it is difficult to even imagine a world without ICTs; but the development and application of ICT through the economy and society is as yet at an early stage and its specific social consequences in the medium and long-term are still not well understood. For example, do these new media signal the breakdown of social relations, as such producing a fragmented and divided society, or do they provide a panacea for a more egalitarian society transcending inter-group differences and divisions? This paper presents an overview of initial research and findings associated with this important topic; in particular the threat posed by the digital divide on social exclusion on the African continent is discussed. The role of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) with regard to development of the African ICT sector is also discussed.