Abstract

In contradistinction to the assumptions of technological determinism paradigm, many sociologists believe emergence and spread of technology as an outcome of correlative changes in the society. Undeviatingly, digital technology that emerged as disruptive technology among all hitherto developed technological innovations should be analysed in relation to the dynamics of societal processes. Though the Internet service began as a public sector initiative, the pan Indian diffusion of the digital technology owes greatly to the private sector and such market led success is a manifestation of new economic policy of 1991. Several government programmes and policies that promote use of this technology are inseparable facets of E governance vision that aims at making the government transparent, accessible and accountable. Despite the phenomenal growth in terms of reaching the masses, there continues an unconditional disparity across geographies and social categories which might ultimately lead to the significant differences in outcomes. It is the democratic potentials of the internet that can facilitate India in actualising the ambitious dreams of functional financial inclusion, universal coverage of health and education, robust participation of citizens in political processes and meaningful civic engagements. Entertainment, that predominates the online activities in India can be viewed as These potential functions of the Internet are not the results of the technology per se, rather these are the promises of the welfare state and technology can augment in realizing these promises. Though India joined the bandwagon of Internet connected countries much late, now it stands out as an important player in the field as it provides the internet at the cheapest cost and has the second highest number of smartphone users and facebook users. Optimistic promises of the technology appears hyperbole when we encounter the instances of misinformation, fake news, cyber crime that have devastating impacts on both online and offline worlds. As technology develops and reaches the society, it is perceived and used in particular ways based on the values of that particular society and any comment on technology use must give due consideration of these values. Since India is yet to have a saturated environment of digital technology use, attention needs to be paid to the functioning of the technology instead of making any conclusive remark on either its potentials or outcomes

Description