A STUDY ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE APPLICATIONS AND THEIR ROLE IN EMPOWERING THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED IN THE NETWORK SOCIETY

Abstract

The impact of technology and the internet on social structure is immeasurable. In the 20th century, the emergence of a globalized digital environment reflects the idea of the Marshall McLuhan’s Global Village. McLuhan argued that “We shape our tools and thereafter our tools shape us.” This idea is further echoed by Manuel Castells, who states that technology does not determine society; rather, society shapes technology according to the needs, values, and interests of the people who use it. Digital platforms have significantly reduced barriers of inequality by bringing people from different economic backgrounds and those with disabilities into the information superhighway, thereby improving their quality of life. Technology has particularly played an important role in empowering the visually challenged by enabling them to participate in mainstream social activities. The digital world allows them to function more independently and interact with other segments of society on equal terms. Moreover, technology provides opportunities for recognition, self-expression, and social connection through networks that help maintain emotional relationships with others. In a networked society, visually challenged individuals are able to connect through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube for purposes including socialization, recognition, entertainment, information sharing, and status building. Their interaction with digital technologies is facilitated through assistive tools such as screen readers and AI-based applications, which make communication easier, faster, and more convenient. This study adopts a mixed-method approach to examine how networking tools influence the identity, individuality, and aspirations of visually challenged individuals within the network society.