Sunday, April 19, 2015

External Essay (NM1101E)

Cognitive Dissonance Theory proposed that individuals are “dissonance-intolerant”, therefore they strive to pursue consistencies within themselves (Festinger, 1962). Efforts are made by individuals to avoid the dissonance before proceeding to solve it. The process of reducing dissonance and achieving consonance would then result in an attitude change (Festinger, 1962).
On February 26th, 2015, a photo of a dress ignited a worldwide debate after being circulated on various social platforms. Some people insisted that the dress is blue and black in colour while the other party asserts that it is white and gold instead (refer Appendix 1). The idea of writing this essay arose while observing how people reacted towards this perplexing debate. This phenomena will be presented using the Cognitive Dissonance Theory.
During the early phases of the debate, people tend to have their own stands regarding the colour of the dress. However, when they encounter the other group with a contradicting point of view, dissonance emerged when they fail to reach an agreement. Before they are forced to solve the inconsistencies, people will tend to avoid the face to face debate about the issue of the dress.
According to the Cognitive Dissonance Theory, the first stage of avoidance would be the process of selective exposure whereby people would choose to see or to listen to certain messages or only parts of them. In this case, when search engines such as Google display diversified messages about the rationale behind the mystery of the dress (refer Appendix 2), people who think that the dress is white and gold will tend to look out for scientific evidences that support their stand, for example, “This May Be Why You’re Seeing the Dress as White and Gold”.
Following selective exposure, selective attention would be use when people have no choice but to read through messages that contains multiple explanations about this phenomena. For example, in the article written by Ryall (2015), those advocating white and gold would tend to focus on the line which Dr. Robert Freedman of Swampscott, an ophthalmologist told Mashable that, “It is yellow and gold in this lighting," instead of the remaining parts of the articles that suggested other theories in explaining the different point of view.
The third stage would be selective perception where people tend to judge the contradicting evidences in order to further strengthen their stand. For example, in the same article written by Ryall (2015), she quoted a post from the forum named Neogaf that claimed that it is the individual’s “high functioning” or “don’t work well” retina cones that caused a different view of blue-black and white-gold respectively. Those advocating white-gold might judge this kind of explanation as a fake and unreasonable message thus choose not to believe it.        
The last stage of avoidance would be selective retention. When individuals are unable to come up with a judgement against the credibility of the opposing evidences, the last resort would be to just forget it. Even though Ryall (2015) included alternative explanations such as the evidence of colour perception (refer Appendix 3) which is practically inarguable, one might only remember the information that is in line with their belief after browsing through the whole article. In this case, the takeaway for those white-golds might only be the words of Dr. Robert Freedman.
There might be a point when individuals were put into a debating situation that was basically unavoidable, thus they have no choice but to make an effort to solve the inconsistencies. Representatives from both sides would start to voice out their own stands and supporting evidences in order to win over their opponents. The colour debate might end up with one side being persuaded and change their beliefs.
The advantages of using the Cognitive Dissonance Theory in explaining this phenomena is because it provides a general view in understanding individual’s decision making process while encountering contradicting beliefs. Persuasion efforts could be modified by including rewards that surpasses the psychological discomfort, thus reducing individual’s motivation to avoid the message. Rewards such as celebrity testimonials on the colour debate might reduce their fans’ motivation to avoid the contradicting message. In Ryall (2015)’s article, she also quoted Taylor Swift’s Instagram reply on this issue.
Nevertheless, the Cognitive Dissonance Theory has its own discrepancies that omits the possibility of no attitude change (Cooper, 2007). In this case, individuals might not even attain the state which persuasion occurs due to the lack of scientific knowledge. The theories used to explain the phenomena might be too complicated for the public to absorb. For instance, in Roger (2015)’s article, the complex operation of human’s visual system was used to justify the occurrence of this colour difference. However, not all individuals are well-equipped with the knowledge to understand the justifications. Thus, the utmost decision that could be made by individuals is to avoid the intricate situation without changing their attitude.
All in all, this theory doesn’t take into account individuals’ differences in terms of ability to achieve the state of consonance. By assuming that individuals are passive and vulnerable towards dissonance, it also disregards the active roles of individuals in resisting the state of dissonance. Therefore, there are still space for improvement to make this theory more generalizable to the society. 

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Digital Divide v/s Family Divide (Essay Final Draft)

Alongside with the rapid development of the digital technology, the global usage of Internet has exhibited an exponential growth within the past few decades. In light with the mounting trend, the existence of digital divide has always been strongly debated for causing significant problems throughout the world. According to the Measuring the Information Society Report 2013 by International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Malaysia emerged as having the fourth-highest proportion of ‘digital natives’ in the world. On top of that, 90% of urban youths are using the Internet (Soh, Chew & Ang, 2008). Yet, when these ‘digital natives’, representing the group of Generation X and younger, stumble across the ‘digital immigrants’, specifically their parents, a family divide is formed.

This generational gap is not computed solely on the age, but also in terms of culture. Digital natives ‘speak and breathe the language of computers’ whereas for digital immigrants, dealing with technology is just not as easy as how the other group views it (Zur, O. & Walker, A, 2011). Zur and Walker (2011) also mention that this situation will eventually cause ‘misunderstandings, misperceptions, conflict, disharmony and communication breakdowns’. In order to solve this problem, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development should develop awareness campaigns and relevant counselling courses to help Malaysian families achieve a balance between technology management and family relationships.

 The paramount effect of the digital divide on family relationships is within the context of communication. Kids nowadays are able to navigate themselves at ease in the world of modern technology. The infinite information that is available online enables them to access any data that they are interested in. This conflicts with the traditional family culture where children will direct their curiosities to their parents. Rob Waugh (2012) mentions that, 54% of the 6 to 15 years old in America said that they tended to direct their questions to Google rather than their parents or teachers. This can be projected as a future issue in Malaysia as children are more dependent on Internet than earlier generations used to be. For example, Household Use of the Internet Survey (2011) done by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, reports that Internet users below 15 years old already account for 11% of all users, surpassing users in the 35-39 age group which is only 10.4%.

Unlike their children who are already well-versed in the modern technology, the parents ‘struggle to gain proficiency and comfort’ in it (Taylor, 2013). Therefore, when it comes to the issue of controlling the usage of Internet, they cannot exhibit a sense of authority towards their children with only nagging or even threatening about it. Children might perceive that the parents cannot understand the importance of Internet thus refusing to obey to the limitations. Conflicts are then created as both sides try to stand their grounds without trying to understand each other’s considerations and anxiety. In short, technology not only leads to a diminishing interaction between parents and children, but it also intensifies the tension between parents and children.

The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development are responsible in expanding access of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for woman, families and communities. Apart from focusing on the basic infrastructures to grant access of Internet to families, the ministry should consider the social consequences such as the family divide due to different level of engagement in ICT. Awareness campaigns and relevant counselling courses to address such problem should be conducted. For example, in conjunction with the ministry’s effort to encourage the Internet access within families, more considerations should be given to those digital immigrants in families who are avoiding the technology invasion. Those who are unwilling to adopt technology as part of their daily lives are more likely to have passive perceptions towards the benefits that are mentioned. Just as what Zur and Walker (2011) imply, the ‘avoiders’ cannot see the value in the usage of Internet. The ministry should consider approaching this target group by courteously exposing the benefits of Internet through awareness campaigns. In “Family conflict – how to cope”(n.d.), it was stated that conflicts sometimes happen due to different beliefs and views among family members. Therefore, by enhancing the understanding towards the advantages of Internet usage, this strategy aims to foster a perception change within the ‘avoiders’ and narrow the family divide.   

At the same time, the ministry can provide counselling services to parents who are apprehensive towards the use of technology in the family. Strategies such as effective communication approaches can be highlighted to the parents so that they can communicate in a way that children are more willing to listen to. For instance, parents can learn how to communicate support to their children regarding the issue of Internet usage, while at the same time retaining their stand that excessive usage is unadvisable. Lansbury (2011) asserts that acknowledging, instead of judging or “fixing”, fosters trust and encourages children to keep sharing their feelings. With this particular methodology, the children will be less defensive in listening and therefore provides more space for them to communicate their anxiety and misunderstandings. The risks of conflicts will then be reduced as both sides are mentally prepared to sort out a win-win solution.

All in all, the issue of family divide deserves a more sophisticated approach as it includes elements of internal perception in response to the digital divide. From the group of ‘avoiders’ who tend to mentally resist the dominance of internet to the difference of perception between parents and children, all the ‘avoiders’ and the family members need  is just a sense of understanding on how they feel. To conclude, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development should comprehend this issue from a strategic perspective in order to solve this problem efficiently.

References

International Telecommunications Union. (2013). Measuring the information society. Retrieved on Oct 2nd,2014, from  http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/Documents/publications/mis2013/MIS2013_without_Annex_4.pdf

Lansbury. J. (2011). The key to your child’s heart (7 ways it works). Retrieved on Oct 2nd, 2014, from http://www.janetlansbury.com/2011/11/the-key-to-your-childs-heart-7-ways-it-works/

Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. (2011). Household use of the internet survey 2011. Retrieved on Oct 4th, 2014, from http://www.skmm.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf/Household-Use-of-The-Internet-Survey-2011_051212.pdf

Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development. (n.d.). Strategies.  Retrieved on Oct 2nd, 2014, from http://www.kpwkm.gov.my/strategi

Soh, C.H, Yap L.Y, Ong, T.S. & Teh, B.H. (2012). Digital divide amongst urban youths in Malaysia – myth or reality? Asian Social Science – Online Publication. Retrieved on Oct 2nd, 2014, from http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ass/article/view/22648

Taylor. J. (2013). Is technology creating a family divide?. Psychology Today. Retrieved on Oct 2nd, 2014, from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-power-prime/201303/is-technology-creating-family-divide

Victoria State Government. (n.d.). Family conflict- how to cope. Retrieved on Oct 4th ,2014, from http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Family_conflict_how_to_cope

Waugh. R. (2012). Daddy no longer knows best? Most children would prefer to ask Google if they have a question - not their parents. Daily Mail. Retrieved on Oct 2nd, 2014, from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2112223/Most-children-prefer-ask-GOOGLE-question-parents.html#ixzz3Exb8KZk8

Zur, O. & Walker, A. (2011). On digital immigrants and digital natives: How the digital divide affects families, educational institutions, and the workplace. Zur Institute - Online Publication. Retrieved on Oct 2nd, 2014, from http://www.zurinstitute.com/digital_divide.html


Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Critical Reflection (Peer and Tutor Feedback)

To be honest, we are unconsciously engaging in the feedback process every day in our life. Whenever we are commenting on someone's appearance or even flavors of the food, we are providing feedback. It is so natural that I never thought of the feedback process will be so critical in my English Language Journey. Besides achieving the literal motives to improve one's writing skills, peer review and tutor feedback actually manage to encourage interaction among peers and promote critical thinking skills.

During the peer review process, we are able to exchange our viewpoints on various grammar mistakes present in the essay reviewed. After in-depth discussion within the peer review team, one will actually be more concerned about the mistakes identified. As for me, I would not want to repeat the same mistake that I pointed out in others' essay. As for the tutor feedback, the comments provided are more specific and sometimes includes mistakes that the peer review team might overlooked. Thus, if the tutor feedback is done in front of the whole class, everyone can benefit through the process. Therefore, peer review and tutor feedback are both valuable to supplement each other within the essay writing process.

The peer review process serves to reverse our role as a reviewer instead of a writer, which we are unlikely to experience before this. By judging other people’s essay critically, we are actually strengthening our understanding towards the concepts mentioned in class in order to identify them. As a writer, when you received feedback from either your peers or your tutor, you can use the help from others to improve certain aspects of your essay by accepting other’s judgement willingly.

Moreover, peer review sometimes exerts peer pressure on us, whereby we will feel nervous if our friends are going to judge our essay. This actually contradicts with the traditional culture where students will only be judged by teachers. The violation of our expectation therefore results in the situation whereby we will be more focus and conscious towards the quality of our essay before sending it for peer review.   

Lastly, through interacting with the peer review team, I also learnt to listen and to take into account various kinds of opinions before making prejudgments. In short, I believe this process will be valuable not only in terms of essay writing but also in terms of communicating with people.    

         

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Reflection on Essay Presentation

After I did my essay presentation, there are a few points that need to be improved.

Firstly, in terms of preparation, I do think that I didn't put in enough effort. Therefore, it resulted in a high level of nervousness throughout my presentation. Besides, the presence of short notes a.k.a cue cards (which is compulsory for my public speaking speeches) distracted my concentration as I tended to read according to the notes. Last but not least, I have always been less confident about my ability in speaking English, probably because of my accent or pronunciation, therefore I was unable to present myself naturally during the presentation.

Knowing these weaknesses, I will try my best to overcome them as we know that presentations are essential not only during our university life but also our work life. I will try to build up my confidence from time to time and also prepare well in order to familiarize myself with the topic of the presentation. Although this process does take time, but I believe that as long as I am willing to make a change then I can definitely make it.  

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Digital Divide v/s Family Divide (Essay Draft 3)

Alongside with the rapid development of the digital technology, the global usage of Internet has exhibited an exponential growth within the past few decades. In light with the mounting trend, the existence of digital divide has always been strongly debated for causing significant problems throughout the world. According to the Measuring the Information Society Report 2013 by International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Malaysia emerged as having the fourth-highest proportion of ‘digital natives’ in the world. On top of that, 90% of urban youths are using the Internet (Soh, Chew & Ang, 2008). Yet, when these ‘digital natives’, representing the group of Generation X and younger, stumble across the ‘digital immigrants’, specifically their parents, a family divide is formed.

This generational gap is not computed solely on the age, but also in terms of culture. Digital natives ‘speak and breathe the language of computers’ whereas for digital immigrants, dealing with technology is just not as easy as how the other group does (Zur, O. & Walker, A, 2011). Zur and Walker (2011) also mention that this situation will eventually cause ‘misunderstandings, misperceptions, conflict, disharmony and communication breakdowns’. In order to solve this problem, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development should hold awareness campaigns and relevant counselling courses to help Malaysian families to achieve a balance between technology management and family relationships.

The paramount effect of the divide on family relationships is directed to the context of communication. Due to the infinite information that is available online, the kids are able to access any data that they are interested in. This contradicts with the traditional family culture where children will direct their curiosities to their parents. Rob Waugh (2012) mentions that, 54% of the 6 to 15 years old in America said that they tended to direct their questions to Google rather than their parents or teachers. This can be projected as a future issue in Malaysia as children are more dependent on Internet than earlier generations used to be. For example, Household Use of the Internet Survey (2011) done by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, reports that Internet users below 15 years old already accounted for 11% of all users, surpassing users in the 35-39 age group which is only 10.4%.

Unlike their children who are already well-versed in the modern technology, the parents ‘struggle to gain proficiency and comfort’ in it (Taylor, 2013). Therefore, when it comes to the issue of controlling the usage of Internet, they cannot exhibit a sense of authority towards their children with only nagging or even threatening about it. Children might perceive that the parents cannot understand the importance of Internet thus refusing to obey to the limitations. Conflicts are then created as both sides try to ground their stands without trying to understand each other’s considerations and anxiety. In short, technology not only leads to a diminishing interaction between parents and children, but it also intensifies the tension between parents and children.

The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development are responsible in expanding access of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for woman, families and communities. Apart from focusing on the basic infrastructures to grant access of Internet to families, the ministry should consider the social consequences such as the family divide due to different level of engagement in ICT. Awareness campaigns and relevant counselling courses to address such problem should be conducted. For example, in conjunction with the ministry’s effort to encourage the Internet access within families, more considerations should be given to those digital immigrants in families who are avoiding the technology invasion. Those who are unwilling to adopt technology as part of their daily lives are more likely to have passive perceptions towards the benefits that are mentioned. Just as what Zur and Walker (2011) imply, the ‘avoiders’ cannot see the value in the usage of Internet. The ministry should consider approaching this target group by courteously exposing the benefits of Internet through awareness campaigns. In “Family conflict – how to cope”(n.d.), it was stated that conflicts sometimes happen due to different beliefs and views among family members. Therefore, by enhancing the understanding towards the advantages of Internet usage, this strategy aims to foster a perception change within the ‘avoiders’ and narrow the family divide.   

At the same time, the ministry can provide counselling services to parents who are apprehensive towards the use of technology in the family. Strategies such as effective communication approaches can be highlighted to the parents so that they can communicate in a way that children are more willing to listen to. For instance, parents can learn how to communicate support to their children regarding the issue of Internet usage but at the same time retaining their stand that excessive usage is unadvisable. Lansbury (2011) asserts that acknowledging, instead of judging or “fixing”, fosters trust and encourages children to keep sharing their feelings. With this particular methodology, the children will be less defensive in listening and therefore provide more space for them to communicate their anxiety and misunderstandings. The risks of conflicts will then be reduced as both sides are mentally prepared to sort out a win-win solution.

All in all, the issue of family divide deserves a more sophisticated approach as it includes elements of internal perception in response to the digital divide. From the group of ‘avoiders’ who tend to mentally resist the dominance of internet to the difference of perception within parents and children, all they need is just a sense of understanding on how they feel. To conclude, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development should comprehend this issue from a mental perspective in order to solve this problem efficiently.

References
 International Telecommunications Union. (2013). Measuring the information society. Retrieved on Oct 2nd,2014, from  http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/Documents/publications/mis2013/MIS2013_without_Annex_4.pdf

Lansbury. J. (2011). The key to your child’s heart (7 ways it works). Retrieved on Oct 2nd, 2014, from http://www.janetlansbury.com/2011/11/the-key-to-your-childs-heart-7-ways-it-works/

Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. (2011). Household use of the internet survey 2011. Retrieved on Oct 4th, 2014, from http://www.skmm.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf/Household-Use-of-The-Internet-Survey-2011_051212.pdf

Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development. (n.d.). Strategies.  Retrieved on Oct 2nd, 2014, from http://www.kpwkm.gov.my/strategi

Soh, C.H, Yap L.Y, Ong, T.S. & Teh, B.H. (2012). Digital divide amongst urban youths in Malaysia – myth or reality? Asian Social Science – Online Publication. Retrieved on Oct 2nd, 2014, from http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ass/article/view/22648

Taylor. J. (2013). Is technology creating a family divide?. Psychology Today. Retrieved on Oct 2nd, 2014, from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-power-prime/201303/is-technology-creating-family-divide


Victoria State Government. (n.d.). Family conflict- how to cope. Retrieved on Oct 4th ,2014, from http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Family_conflict_how_to_cope

Waugh. R. (2012). Daddy no longer knows best? Most children would prefer to ask Google if they have a question - not their parents. Daily Mail. Retrieved on Oct 2nd, 2014, from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2112223/Most-children-prefer-ask-GOOGLE-question-parents.html#ixzz3Exb8KZk8

Zur, O. & Zur, A. (2011). On digital immigrants and digital natives: How the digital divide affects families, educational institutions, and the workplace. Zur Institute - Online Publication. Retrieved on Oct 2nd, 2014, from http://www.zurinstitute.com/digital_divide.html



Saturday, October 4, 2014

Digital Divide v/s Family Divide (Essay Draft 2)

Introduction

Alongside with the rapid development of the digital era, the global usage of Internet has exhibited an exponential growth within the past few decades. In contrast with the mounting trend, digital divide has always been strongly debated for causing significant problems throughout the world. According to the Measuring the Information Society Report 2013 by International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Malaysia emerged as having the fourth-highest proportion of ‘digital natives’ in the world. On top of that, 90% of urban youths are using the Internet (Soh, Chew & Ang, 2008). Yet, when these ‘digital natives’, representing the group of Generation X and younger, stumble across the ‘digital immigrants’, specifically their parents, a family divide is formed.

This generational gap is not computed solely on the age, but also in terms of culture. Digital natives ‘speak and breathe the language of computers’ whereas for digital immigrants, dealing with technology is just not an easy task for them (Zur, O. & Walker, A, 2011). Zur and Walker (2011) also mention that this situation will eventually cause ‘misunderstandings, misperceptions, conflict, disharmony and communication breakdowns’. In order to solve this problem, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development should hold awareness campaigns and relevant counselling courses to help Malaysian families to achieve a balance between technology management and family relationships.

The Family Divide

First of all, the main impact of the divide towards family relationships is directed to the context of communication. Due to the infinite information that is available online, the children are able to access any data that they are interested in. Hence, it contradicts with the traditional family culture where children will direct their curiosities to their parents. Rob Waugh (2012) mentions that, 54% of the 6 to 15 years old in America said that they tend to direct their questions to Google rather than their parents or teachers. This can be projected as a future issue in Malaysia as children are more dependent on Internet than earlier generations used to be. For example, Household Use of the Internet Survey (2011) done by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, reports that Internet users below 15 years old had already accounted for 11% of all users, surpassing users in the 35-39 age group which is only 10.4%.

On the other hand, the parents ‘struggle to gain proficiency and comfort’ towards the modern technology which their children are already well-versed in it (Taylor, 2013). Therefore, when it comes to the issue of controlling the usage of Internet, they could not exhibit a sense of authority towards their children with only nagging or even threatening about it. Children might perceive that the parents could not understand the importance of Internet thus refuse to obey to the limitations. Conflicts are then created as both sides try to ground their stands without trying to understand each other’s considerations and anxiety. In short, technology not only leads to a diminishing interaction between parents and children, but it also intensifies the tension between parents and children.

Proposed Solutions

The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development are responsible in expanding access of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on woman, families and communities. Apart from focusing on the basic infrastructures to grant access of Internet to families, the ministry should consider the social consequences such as the family divide due to different level of engagement in ICT. Awareness campaigns and relevant counselling courses to address such problem should be conducted.

Awareness Campaign
For example, in conjunction with the ministry’s effort to encourage the Internet access within families, more concerns should be given to those digital immigrants in families who are avoiding the technology invasion. Those who are unwilling to adopt technology as part of their daily lives are more likely to have passive perceptions towards the benefits that are mentioned. As what Zur and Walker (2011) imply, the ‘avoiders’ could not see the value in the usage of Internet. The ministry should consider approaching this target group by courteously exposing the benefits of Internet through awareness campaigns. In “Family conflict – how to cope”(n.d.), it was stated that conflicts sometimes happen due to different beliefs and views among family members. Therefore, by enhancing the understanding towards the advantages of Internet usage, this strategy aims to foster a perception change within the ‘avoiders’ and narrow the family divide.   

Counselling Courses
Besides, the ministry can provide counselling services to parents who are apprehended towards the use of technology in the family. Strategies such as effective communication approaches can be highlighted to the parents so that they can communicate in a way that children are more willing to listen to. For instance, parents can learn how to communicate support to their children regarding the issue of Internet usage but at the same time retaining their stand that excessive usage is unadvisable. Lansbury (2011) asserts that acknowledging, instead of judging or “fixing”, fosters trust and encourages children to keep sharing their feelings. With this particular methodology, the children will be less defensive in listening and therefore will be better able to communicate their anxiety and misunderstandings. The risks of conflicts will then be reduced as both sides are mentally prepared to achieve a win-win solution.

Conclusion 

All in all, the issue of family divide deserves a more sophisticated approach as it includes elements of internal perception in response to the digital divide. From the group of ‘avoiders’ who tend to mentally resist the dominance of internet to the difference of perception within parents and children, a better sense of understanding on how they feel will help to bridge the family divide. Therefore the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development should comprehend this issue from a mental perspective in order to solve this problem efficiently.

References
Family conflict- how to cope.(n.d.). Retrieved on Oct 4th ,2014, from http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Family_conflict_how_to_cope

International Telecommunications Union. (2013). Measuring the information society. Retrieved on Oct 2nd,2014, from  http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/Documents/publications/mis2013/MIS2013_without_Annex_4.pdf

Lansbury, J. (2011). The key to your child’s heart (7 ways it works). Retrieved on Oct 2nd, 2014, from http://www.janetlansbury.com/2011/11/the-key-to-your-childs-heart-7-ways-it-works/

Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. (2011). Household use of the internet survey 2011. Retrieved on Oct 4th, 2014, from http://www.skmm.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf/Household-Use-of-The-Internet-Survey-2011_051212.pdf

Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development. (n.d.). Strategies.  Retrieved on Oct 2nd, 2014, from http://www.kpwkm.gov.my/strategi

Patrick C-H Soh, Yap Liang Yan, Tze San Ong & Boon Heng Teh. (2012). Digital divide amongst urban youths in Malaysia – myth or reality? Asian Social Science – Online Publication. Retrieved on Oct 2nd, 2014, from http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ass/article/view/22648

Taylor, J. (2013). Is technology creating a family divide?. Retrieved on Oct 2nd, 2014, from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-power-prime/201303/is-technology-creating-family-divide

Waugh, R. (2012). Daddy no longer knows best? Most children would prefer to ask Google if they have a question - not their parents. Retrieved on Oct 2nd, 2014, from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2112223/Most-children-prefer-ask-GOOGLE-question-parents.html#ixzz3Exb8KZk8

Zur, O. & Zur, A. (2011). On digital immigrants and digital natives: How the digital divide affects families, educational institutions, and the workplace. Zur Institute - Online Publication. Retrieved on Oct 2nd, 2014, from http://www.zurinstitute.com/digital_divide.html


Edited on 9th Oct 2014.

Friday, October 3, 2014

Reader Response (Draft 4) "World Wakes Up to Digital Divide"

Wakefield (2010) reports that, countries around the world have started to take action in response to the digital divide. Research by International Telecommunications Union ( ITU) indicates that there is a greater difference between the most and least connected countries. In order to tackle the problem, Eastern European countries like Hungary have implemented a ‘Wi-Fi village’ program by providing Internet access as well as cheap recycled PCs to rural villagers. However, report author Sasha Meinrath argues that authorities should consider the ability of the citizens in utilizing network resources instead of just ‘making kit and access available’.

In my opinion, I do agree with Meinrath that citizen’s ability is important to maximize the benefits of broadband connectivity. However, countries should also consider their ability and the feasibility of technological investments before implementing policies in response to digital divide. These considerations are essential to prevent them from investing blindly just to narrow the so call “digital divide”.

Firstly, we know that in order to establish widespread internet connections, vast investments must come from either the country or certain corporations to cover the expenditures in terms of infrastructure. Hence, one should not disregard the significance of the country’s income level while considering the substantial needs for technology.  In the news article, ITU analyst Vanessa Gray points out that there is a correlation between a country's scale of digital divide and its economic status, but she seemed to underestimate the implication of the economic factor by stating that ‘being able to compare gives them the incentive to do better’. According to the data of The World Bank, Iceland is rated as the high income country with a gross national income per capita (GNI) of $12,746 or more, while Myanmar only possesses a GNI of $1,045 or less. The massive income disparity between both countries has a distinct effect on their ability to provide nationwide internet access. Therefore, when national interests are unable to fulfill the demand for connectivity, corporations take over the responsibility by providing sales of service for the communities. Nevertheless, this would also marginalize the low income families as people have to pay substantially more to get connected.

Furthermore, even though a country did have the ability to establish nationwide internet access, it is unfeasible to invest heavily in technology while neglecting other phases of development. For example, Wakefield mentions that Hungary has invested a substantial amount on the development of high speed fibre-optics cable, at the same time providing training for rural villagers. However, the Education at a Glance 2014 report by Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reveals that Hungary has serious weaknesses in education equity, challenging the government to retain and support their students in finishing their tertiary education. On the other hand, Hungary’s total expenditure on education institutions as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product(GDP) is only 4.4%, implying “the steepest decrease among all OECD countries” in year 2011. (OECD, 2014). The report also mentions that the level of education attainment has an evident effect on the unemployment rate of the people in Hungary. According to Okun’s Law, a decrease in the rate of employment will eventually cause a decrease in a country’s GDP. Therefore, the negligence of Hungary in the education sector should not be ignored as it may affect the country’s economy in long term basis.

As a conclusion, the policy makers play an important role in deciding the country’s direction of development and the future of the people. Hence, they should always consider realistic measures in terms of financial constraints and practicability instead of merely following the global trend.  


References

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2014). Education at a glance 2014- country note. Retrieved September 19, 2014, from http://www.oecd.org/edu/Hungary-EAG2014-Country-Note.pdf

The World Bank. (n.d.). Country and lending groups. Retrieved September 19, 2014, from http://data.worldbank.org/about/country-and-lending-groups

Wakefield, J. (2010). World wakes up to digital divide. Retrieved September 7, 2014, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8568681.stm


What Is the relationship between GDP and unemployment rates? (n.d.). Retrieved September 19, 2014, from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-relationship-between-gdp-and-unemployment-rates.htm