A new study has investigated the link between technology and life satisfaction and revealed that technology has a positive direct impact on well-being.

The research, ‘Information Dividend: Why IT makes you happier’, which was commissioned by UK-based BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, showed that information technology is fundamental to life satisfaction, particularly for women, those on low incomes, and those in developing nations.

Access to technology is important for helping countries to develop. The study produced the Information Well-Being Index (IWB), which assessed how well countries are delivering the benefits of IT to their people. Top of the 39 countries surveyed was Zambia, because it beats IWB expectations based on its GDP by the most. Other African countries that were ranked high in the IWB league are Burkina Faso, Mali and Malawi.

This Wednesday (29 September), BCS will be holding a discussion on the social benefits of technology. Speaking at the session, which will be broadcast live online, is Tony Roberts, the founder of Computer Aid International, a charity that refurbishes donated computers and laptops in the UK and gives them to education, health and not-for-profit organisations in developing countries, helping to reduce poverty through practical ICT solutions.