TEAMING UP ON THE INTERNET

Ruwandi Perera grabs the opportunities that digital technologies provide

The world commemorates International Day of Friendship on 30 July. In the face of war, economic crises, political upheaval and food shortages, a spirit of human solidarity is a bright beacon of hope for better times ahead.

Since inception, the internet has thrived on a sense of sharing, cooperation and collaboration of information, knowledge and other online resources. It has taken us beyond traditional physical interaction to the next level through digital collaboration and sundered geographic boundaries to connect people more than ever before.

Digital collaboration is not a new phenomenon. It’s simply about working together from different places and time zones using digital tools, apps, software and platforms.

Adopted by a ‘Net Generation’ that leads this stage of social evolution, digital collaboration happens everywhere and on every online platform. Online communities and peer groups have become some of the strongest forces of thought and action in the post-pandemic world.

While software designers and programmers have always collaborated digitally through open-source platforms, digital collaboration was augmented at workplaces due to COVID-19. From simple communication among employees to document and content management, as well as decision making, cloud-based digital collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams have changed the way businesses operate today.

Every time we work on a shared folder or contribute to a spreadsheet, or even meet online for webinars, we are collaborating digitally. These impressive processes were the lifeline for many organisations during the pandemic as they connected not only employees in one geographic location but also enabled seamless teamwork across time zones at a fraction of the cost.

Businesses are investing in tools today, going beyond mere survival strategies and promoting employee productivity and streamlining performance. What used to be labelled as a ‘job’ for human resources (and perhaps the IT department) has now been transformed into a business strategy.

Digital collaboration has become part and parcel of our work life; but as we progress in a world of remote work, it is vital to overcome the human limits of these technologies.

For instance, many employees still struggle with learning about and using multiple digital tools. These tools could be overwhelming to employees and contribute to digital fatigue, and ultimately take a toll on work-life balance and employee wellbeing.

Yet, as we proceed towards a future where we’ll work in the metaverse, there is no way to go but forward when it comes to digital collaboration.

Corporate life is not the only place in which we collaborate digitally. This amazing platform that brings people together has revolutionised the way we learn – from primary school to higher education and beyond.

Physical blackboards have been replaced by online whiteboards and children sitting in groups in traditional classrooms have been swapped for virtual meeting rooms. While there’s still more to achieve and streamline, life for a generation that’s being raised on digitally collaborative learning will certainly be very different.

Each time we use ‘ride share’ apps, we’re essentially collaborating digitally. And when we browse the internet for hotels using a booking platform or log on to review sites to know more details of others’ experiences, we enjoy the benefits of digital collaboration – and perhaps contribute to it.

The greatest and most treasured digital collaboration that’s close to our hearts, and perhaps governs most of our day is, without a doubt, social media.

From enquiring where to find fuel or planning islandwide protests, or standing up for fundamental rights, social media has heightened the power of digital collaboration to unforeseen levels. For most of us, it has become the ‘go to’ source of news, information and entertainment… whether we realise it or not.

Social media collaboration has even given birth to businesses through crowdsourcing. Today, we are connected to thousands of people through apps such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Although we may not communicate directly with all of them, the information we consume is a result of a seamless digital collaboration that’s – for the most part – free.

While there is much to fix, such as the wildfire of fake news, there is more to be reaped. And with the metaverse on the verge of becoming the next best thing for humanity, we need to get our act together in the way we use digital collaboration, for the very survival of our species.