Final answer:
Increased use of internet and cell phones in North Africa and Southwest Asia improves communication, access to information, economic opportunities, and facilitates social change, despite the complexity of engagement versus participation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The increased use of communication technologies such as internet and cell phones has a significant positive impact on the societies of North Africa and Southwest Asia. These technologies enable improved communication, providing access to information, facilitating social connections, and fostering economic growth. In regions with limited infrastructure, mobile phones allow individuals to bypass traditional communications systems, enabling functions like banking, business transactions, and access to market prices for farmers and traders.
In the context of social change, the ability to communicate and disseminate information rapidly has played a crucial role. For example, during the Arab Spring, technology allowed people to report on events in real-time, creating a global awareness of the uprisings. Despite attempts at censorship, it is becoming increasingly difficult for governments to control the flow of information, contributing to a global exchange of culture and ideas.
However, it is important to note that while social media and communication technologies facilitate participation in social movements and global dialogue, they do not equate to direct engagement. Nonetheless, the wide accessibility of smart phones and the internet are reshaping how individuals and communities in North Africa and Southwest Asia learn, work, and connect with the world.