ABSTRACT
Significant advances in converging information technologies of computers, telecommunications, and consumer electronics have created a wide spectrum of new opportunities for both individuals and organizations to become more productive and effective in their daily activities. In the 1980s, technologies such as decision support systems (DSS), electronic mail (e-mail), videoconferencing, expert systems, voice messaging, and voice mail began to impact our day-to-day activities (Daft, 1989). In the 1990s, the Internet provided a number of low-cost and mass market accessible applications that continue to create numerous benefits not only to organizations but also to individuals and how they connect and communicate with each other. The impact of information technologies on organizations is well documented. However, research is just beginning to focus on the impact of such technologies on the social and psychological effects on individuals. This chapter will provide a review of these effects. We will then discuss some managerial implications of these trends.
