Two Nations, Same Technology, Different Outcomes: Analysis of Technology Application in Africa and America

One of the most distinguishing factors between a developed and a developing country is the application of technology. This paper examines the fundamental issue of two nations, same technology, different outcomes in the application of technology in Africa and the America. The paper is a conceptual framework within the context of the existing literature or secondary data where relevant literature that has direct bearing to the subject was interrogated like textbooks, journals, and internet materials. Technological Determinism and Mediamorphosis Theories serve the study goal. The paper argued that changes in the media landscape from the traditional to the modern platform, and the increasing yearning for real-time information, have not only showcased the indispensability of information and communication for society development but have buttressed the position that network societies are now better connected. Westernised societies are linked with those in the global south, and individuals and media organisations alike are creating content. Within this context, Digital Dichotomy Theory (DD-Theory) is proposed for understanding the application of technology in the two nations. The paper interrogates Africa and the Americas in the journey towards building knowledge societies in terms of technological infrastructure and systems. The analysis rekindles the global information order of the past, such as media dominance, information inequality, and asymmetrical and imbalanced information flow.

Keywords: Africa, America, application, different outcomes and same technology.