Will technology--specifically, information and communication technology (ICT)--make the world a better place? This question is relevant to not only social and technology researchers, but to any curious mind. Toyama approaches this question as it relates to international information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) projects, where the situation is complicated by serious social problems such as poverty.

The paper promotes the model of technology as an amplifier, which holds that a given technology may have either positive or negative impacts depending on the underlying human intent (for example, government corruption) and capacity (for example, low rates of education). Technology is just an amplification tool that “cannot substitute for human intent or capacity where it is lacking.” Toyama identifies three mechanisms of amplification: differential access (technology is more accessible to the rich), differential capacity (technology will provide more benefits to those with more education and better social skills), and differential motivation (underprivileged populations tend to use the Internet more for entertainment than education). All of these mechanisms contribute to widening the digital gap between the poor and rich. Thus, “technology tends to amplify existing inequalities.” The three mechanisms are considered in relation to two types of historical cases of ICT4D projects: telecenters (Internet cafes in rural areas) and television.

Toyama’s hypotheses are based on general observations and are not supported by deeper qualitative or quantitative assessments. His point--that it would be nice if technology did as much or more for the poor, undereducated, and powerless as it does for the rich, well educated, and mighty--is idealistic or at least arguable.

A nonacademic version of the paper is available [1]. Readers who are interested in the impact of technology can find additional information on the subject [2,3].