Study: Our lives in digital times
Digital technology did not create “the paperless society” that many had predicted, at least not yet, but it does have people communicating more than ever, according to a new assessment of the impact of information and communications technologies (ICTs).
The study, published today in the Connectedness Series, examines some of the expected outcomes expressed about the widespread use of ICTs in everyday life when these technologies were introduced, and shows that some of them have so far not materialized.
It finds that some of the key outcomes of ICTs are manifested in shifting behavioural patterns, including communication and spending. For example, patterns of communication are changing and people are talking on the phone and using email more than they ever have.
The arrival of the personal computer gave much talk to the “paperless office”. However, between 1983 and 2003, consumption of paper for printing and writing alone more than doubled, according to the study, entitled “Our lives in digital times”.
In addition, professional travel has most likely increased during a period when the Internet and videoconferencing technology were taking-off, while e-commerce sales do not justify fears about the demise of traditional retail.
Total private sector sales over the Internet more than quadrupled between 2001 and 2004, while still only accounting for about 1% of total sales. Meanwhile, the number of retailers, retail space and retail employment have all increased.
Similarly, volumes of postal mail have been rising, although the composition of mail has changed, and couriers and local messengers are proliferating. This is the case even as Internet usage and e-mail are high in Canada.
One extremely visible outcome of ICTs is that the information society is a “talkative society”. People have never spoken on the telephone more, and particularly at a time when they also send and receive massive amounts of e-mail and other electronic communications.
As people communicate more and in different ways, they are choosing to expand their associations, moving from geographically-defined communities to communities of interest. They are also willing to pay for their choices.
The study shows that ICT spending is on the rise, with substitutions taking place in favour of newer ICTs, such as the Internet, and against older ones, such as wireline telecommunications.
Between 1997 and 2003, average household spending on computer equipment and supplies rose from $299 to $326, which was even more significant given that computer prices were falling during this period.
In addition, the willingness of people to pay can also be seen by the fact that many low-income households choose to spend a relatively higher proportion of their income on ICTs. This is because a substantial amount of ICT-related expenses are fixed, such as the price of basic telephone and cable services or Internet connections.
Definitions, data sources and methods: survey numbers, including related surveys, 2722, 3508, 4225, 4432 and 4505.
The article “Our lives in digital times” is now available as part of the Connectedness Series (56F0004MIE2006014, free). From the Publications page, under Free Internet publications, choose Communications.
