Information and Communication Technology: Understanding Their Dark-Side Effects

Abstract

The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is pervasive and often all encompassing. Given the reliability, ubiquitousness and ease of use of modern ICT, being able to use them `anytime anywhere' has certainly produced benefits for individuals and collectives in terms of efficiency, flexibility, innovation, productivity and social connectivity. However, the past few years have seen the rise of a number of phenomena that illustrate a growing and an increasingly pervasive `dark side' of the use of ICT. Technostress, technology addiction and information overload are examples of this. The paper will provide an overview of the research of these emerging phenomena, describe their negative consequences, and identify possible mitigation mechanisms.