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 2^nd,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 2^nd, 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 4^th, 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 2^nd, 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 2^nd, 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 2^nd, 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 4^th ,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 2^nd, 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 2^nd, 2014, from http://www.zurinstitute.com/digital_divide.html

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 4^th ,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 2^nd,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 2^nd, 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 4^th, 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 2^nd, 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 2^nd, 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 2^nd, 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 2^nd, 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 2^nd, 2014, from http://www.zurinstitute.com/digital_divide.html

Edited on 9th Oct 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

Digital Divide v/s Family Divide (Essay Draft 1)

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. This trend is particularly evident among the younger generations. 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 narrow the family divide, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development should hold awareness campaigns and relevant counselling courses to help families to achieve a balance between technology management and family relationships.

Problem Identified

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 kids 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.

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. Just 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. Publics are encouraged to bring along their family members to explore more about the impacts of family divide towards the family’s interaction. Information should be kept as simple as possible to prevent them from pulling out from the sharing of information due to message complexity.

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 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 in this matter.

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, 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 mentally perspective in order to solve this problem efficiently.

References

International Telecommunications Union. (2013). Measuring the information society. Retrieved on Oct 2^nd,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 2^nd, 2014, from http://www.janetlansbury.com/2011/11/the-key-to-your-childs-heart-7-ways-it-works/

Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development. (n.d.). Strategies.  Retrieved on Oct 2^nd, 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 2^nd, 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 2^nd, 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 2^nd, 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 2^nd, 2014, from http://www.zurinstitute.com/digital_divide.html.