Digital Technologies and Societal Changes: Policy Approaches in South Asia

Abstract

The South Asia region is considered a crossroads between different regions, such as East Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Due to its geo-strategic location, the region is vibrant for trade, commerce, and diplomacy, as well as a strategic location for military operations. In the last few years, a significant growth in the use of digital technology has been observed in the region. The overall growth of technology has led to a number of positive and negative changes in various aspects of society in the region. The rise of digital technologies has led to the tech industry's growth in South Asia. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other digital platforms and applications have become essential tools for civil resistance, advocacy campaigns, the formation of coalitions, and the overall socialization process. This has created new economic opportunities and jobs. Digital technologies have revolutionized education, making it easier for people to access educational resources and learn new skills. In this context, this paper aims to critically discuss the overall impact of digital technologies on societal changes in South Asia in general and Nepal in a specific way, along with the policy approaches taken by the government of Nepal and other South Asian countries in response to these digital technologies.