Teaching how to fish: lessons from information and communication technologies for international development

Abstract

Many people believe that the widespread dissemination of digital technologies automatically causes positive outcomes in political democratisation and socio-economic development. In this article, this claim is briefly examined for the supposed ‘Facebook Revolutions’ of the Arab Spring, as well as for the economic benefits of the mobile phone. Close scrutiny reveals, in fact, that technology’s impact is not necessarily positive. Instead, technology only amplifies underlying human intent and capacity; hence, positive outcomes with technology are wholly dependent on competent, well-intentioned stakeholders. The article concludes with the consequences and recommendations for those interested in applying their technical or entrepreneurial skills to subsistence communities.