Sociology

Communication technology has eliminated barriers between countries making migration and cultural exchange possible between people. The result is emergence of global culture and increased contact between countries (Mead 1978). Natives from various parts of the world can now recognize and acknowledge the existence of other communities with different customs. Modern communication technologies like the internet and digital televisions enable individuals to achieve this high level of civilization. These allow people to see, hear and chat with one another leading to formation of a new culture termed as world culture. This is common with young generation which also spends considerable amounts of time communicating with friends online (Brey 2006). The young generation may introduce some newly acquired traditions to the older generation and there is a possibility of loss of cultural identity to a community (Brey 2006).

Communication technology has therefore led change in direction of flow and source of cultural information. In olden days, this information used to be transmitted from the old ones to the young ones in a population- this is now changing gradually (Mead 1978). Folks from diverse origins form groups to campaign for or against some deeds (and individuals) thanks to social networking sites. Communication between people over long distances is now very easy (Brey 2006).

Communication technology has facilitated migration leading to increased intermarriages between communities and this was not the case in the olden days. People who have migrated can still communicate with relatives and get information about their countries through current communication technology. Some individuals can now build marital affair online unlike in the past where it used to be face to face (Tomlinson 2000). According to Permalink (2007), computer networking provides quick access to world news to individuals in various locations.  Individuals are able to chat online and share their experiences.

Communication technology has also helped people to search and find jobs in foreign land, explore features in other nations and access other vital information about their neighbors. Internet has enabled people to have a common language of communication which in most cases is English, though some sites use different languages. Communication technology has also allowed the dissemination of world prices of certain commodities like petroleum products leading to standardization of charges. The development has also led to market liberalization.

The dressing code of some communities has been influenced by the designs availed to them by current communication technologies. This is very common in third world countries. The moral status of some community members has been negatively affected by the current developments in communication technology. This includes increased rape cases, watching pornographic materials, trafficking, among other internet based and offline crimes (Spellings 2005). Communication between thugs and other law breakers is facilitated by use of this new technology hence most of them commit more complex crimes and avoid arrest. However, in some countries, internet is being used to combat crime. Communication technology has also made people to practice other religions they come to know like Christianity. Exotic eating habits have also been spread by the use of these technological advances in communication.

To some extend, internet has been used as a means of spreading western culture. This has led to cultural imperialism and moral horror. The western and American culture is highly spread through internet. The English language has been spread to many countries via the internet.  Current communication technology has also led to spread of religions mainly of western origin like Christianity. New types of foods and eating behaviors of western origin have been introduced to other countries through internet. Pornographic material is common in European countries but through internet, it has spread to almost every part of the world. Most revenues generated via internet belong to western countries since internet business is more developed in those nations (Lao-Araya 2003). Governments all over the world are beginning to control the internet content for their citizens and restricting some sites. In addition to this, there is emergence of sites which do not use English as a language and this will help control western influence through the internet.