Impact of the Internet on Individuals (Edexcel IGCSE ICT): Flashcards

Efficiency, since tasks are completed more quickly; knowledge, from shared skills and experience; creativity, from other perspectives and team problem solving; and morale, from building team spirit.

Co-ordination is hard, since organising meetings and keeping people aligned is difficult; personality clashes can hinder progress; and contribution may be unequal between members.

Employees can work when it suits them, deciding the hours they work or working from home, and the internet also makes working on the move an option.

A better work life balance, since work can be scheduled around personal commitments; higher productivity, since people work when they feel most productive; and fewer sick days.

False.

Management is one of its disadvantages — supervising and monitoring employees can be more difficult, alongside weaker communication and isolation from the social side of an office.

Individuals can keep up to date with news, sport and weather information 24 hours a day.

Television and radio are broadcast at set times, while the internet offers 24/7 availability.

Television and radio have a limited number of channels, while the internet offers millions of channels.

On television and radio editors decide on content and it is held to a standard, while internet content is not always edited and not always held to any standards.

Television and radio are only available within range of a transmitter, while the internet can be accessed from anywhere with a connection.

Some internet content is not openly available everywhere because it is geo-restricted.

Virtual learning environments (VLEs), social learning, gamification and virtual reality (VR).

A VLE provides online support from teachers and students.

Gamification makes learning engaging and interactive, promoting knowledge retention.

VR gives immersive experiences, bringing abstract concepts to life.

Streaming of movies, television and music.

False.

Internet content is not always edited and not always held to any standards, unlike television and radio where editors decide on content.

Social interaction is communication with and reaction to others, and the internet has given users different ways to participate socially.

Online gaming, video, instant messaging, social networking, and online spaces for work and learning.

It provides social support and a sense of belonging, which is important for people who feel isolated or struggle with mental health.

Connection and community, since users connect with people who share their interests regardless of location; expression, since platforms give space to explore yourself freely; convenience, since it needs no travel and works 24/7; and social change, since it is a powerful tool for activism and raising awareness.

Algorithms can limit exposure to diverse perspectives and help spread misinformation.

Users are constantly comparing themselves to others, which can lead to low self esteem and poor mental health.

Privacy concerns over where shared data is kept and who has access; distraction, since notifications hinder productivity; and addiction, since too much interaction can be addictive.

Cyberbullying is using the internet to send text, images or multimedia in order to upset or embarrass someone.

Hurtful messages, distributing upsetting images, and preventing participation in online events or discussions, which isolates the victim.

False.

Cyberbullies can feel protected by the apparent anonymity of the internet, but most online communication is easily monitored.

It can spread very quickly and to more people.

People do not need to leave the comfort of their houses, which has negative effects on their health and wellbeing.

An increased risk of chronic diseases, musculoskeletal problems, a weakened immune system, metabolic issues and increased blood pressure.

Reduced physical activity harms wellbeing through increased anxiety and depression, lower energy levels and poor sleep quality.

Workers traditionally accessed computer systems from an office environment, which is a centralised approach.

They developed to facilitate access to the centralised computer systems that workers needed.

Digital devices became cheaper and more powerful, so they were increasingly used at home.

Working from home is a decentralised approach, rather than the traditional centralised one.

Run a range of software, access the internet, and access online systems and applications.

It can attract a talented, motivated workforce, employ from a wider location including internationally, remove the need to buy or rent office space, remove commuting and lateness, and workers may work more effectively.

Concerns about data security, it is more difficult to manage and support employees, employees might not work as hard, and there are complications with payroll for workers in different countries.

No travel to work, which means less stress and saves money; more time working or resting; the ability to work at a time to suit them; fewer distractions; a comfortable environment; the chance to organise work around social or family commitments; and no uniform or business clothes to buy.

Distractions at home from family and leisure activities, a lack of social interaction, and feeling disconnected from the company.

Because it is always available, they can work at times suitable to them.

It lets them share expertise, reduce the time to complete a task and share the workload.

It allows them to make better decisions.

False.

It benefits both — organisations save on office space and can recruit internationally, while employees save travel time and gain flexibility.