1) De-Socialization

Some of the intangible downside risks of increasingly "virtual" interaction within rural community include the possible "de-socialization" of individuals who have less and less direct contact with their peers, their co-workers, and their community.

This can extend to family relations as well, particularly if technology creates further imbalances between those who are "on-line", and those without access to these technologies.

On the other hand, equitable deployment of infrastructure and educational resources could provide a means of maintaining and expanding family and communal ties that would otherwise be broken by distance and cost.

2) Health-related Effects

Other problem includes psychological and physical health-related effects of sedentary, computer anchored work environments. Early experience suggests that as this type of work (and social) activity expands, businesses and government will have to consider broad-based means to offset health hazards with new policies and treatments.

3) Unanticipated Effects

E-commerce may offer the potential for shifting the balance of opportunity, wealth, and social and political inclusion. As much as these trends can be beneficial to the majority of rural community, they are also likely to bring unanticipated effects on cultural and social norms.

Indigenous traditions that have so far survived the intrusion of modernity may be less resilient in the face of global networks and instantaneous communication.

These types of impact are just as significant as changes in bottom-line incomes, and can really only be "measured" by the persons whose lives are being changed by forces largely beyond their control.

4) Supporting MSMEs

Electronic commerce opportunities are valuable for giant corporations and small entrepreneurs alike. In the latter case, however, the technologies and market options available through e-commerce may foster a true revolution in the way business structures and relationships are organized.

The prospect of establishing new micro, small, and medium enterprises (SMMEs) is greatly enhanced by the efficiencies available through information and communications technologies.

A study by Google India showed that 57% of SME’s used website as a sales channel and got direct leads from their websites. According to Internet and Mobile Association of India 73% of MSME’s have their own
websites. Importantly 99% of MSME’s use online B2B market places to generate business.