Reflect on your blessings

Upon reading my friends’ posts, it has intrigued me to think deeper on Digital Differences. Digital Divide is widely discussed mainly based on different generations.

“Young people often come with an almost natural understanding of electronic media,”
– Ms Weinholtz.

 

Our generation has been greatly exposed to the Web at a young age, it is no doubt that the older generation would feel like they’re lagging behind.

(Source: http://www.pewinternet.org/2014/04/03/older-adults-and-technology-use/)

To bridge this gap, the older generation can be introduced to activities where they would be interested in – e.g health forums, staying connected and leisure.

Sahana gave me deeper insights about the poor countries having difficulty in accessing the Web due to their low income. Technology is constantly evolving and is vital, thus, people still invest in broadband.

Through her post, I have understood the importance of how the inequalities would be tough on the poor and they have a greater disadvantage as compared to the wealthier people – which I strongly agree. Thankfully, most Singaporeans are able to invest in Broadband at home. The government has made connections more accessible and affordable for low-income earners.

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From reading Audrey‘s post, I have understood that everyone has differing experiences online. She has shared her Internet uses which I found relatable! It is a diverse place and some may be reliant on it, while others are not.

Here’s my usual online activities

She has raised an interesting point that women are portrayed to be docile online which has prompted me to research further on gender differences.

In conclusion, I found this topic thought-provoking as it showcases the various insights on the digital differences that the world is facing it shows how privileged I am. It has definitely gave me a better understanding of how inequalities may affect one’s Internet usage, and how there are gaps in various groups of people that needs to be looked upon.

(308 words)

Posts that I have commented on:
Audrey (147 words)
Sahana (180 words)

References:
Retrieved 14 Nov 2017
http://www.joanganzcooneycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/jgcc_opportunityforall.pdf

Retrieved 14 Nov 2017 “Income Inequalities”
http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2016/2/3/internet-access-income-inequality.html

Retrieved 14 Nov 2017 “What do Older people do online?”
https://www.retirement-living.com/proaging-network/what-do-older-people-do-online/

Topic 1: Digital Differences

In our generation, the web has been deeply embedded in our daily lives that it is deemed as a necessity in our work, social lives or education. However, 53% of the world’s population are not using the Internet.

There is an increasing trend of internet adoption even if digital differences on internet interaction still exists in terms of age, gender, class, race and economic culture.

During the earlier stages, technology and smartphones were only for those who could afford it, but this is definitely not the case anymore!  In today’s digital world, the internet plays a huge role and many people are adopting the use of it, including myself.

Are there stark differences between those who were using the Internet and those who don’t?

Digital differences, digital divide also looks at those people who are able to assess to the Web, but don’t want to despite the increasing Internet penetration.

Majority of the population are “Just not Interested”. This tends to lean towards the older generation (like my parents) where they prefer to stick to their norms and not adapt to changes due to their lack of knowledge for modern technology.

Personally, as a student in this era, I believe that I am privileged in terms Internet usage for many purposes especially education. At a tender age of 7, during primary education – I was required to have broadband at home as learning portals are used online to help me further understand what we are learning apart from the traditional classroom lessons. As I move on to higher education, the internet is a vital tool when it comes to research, discussions and having sharing forums to express our ideas which aids in my learning.

Hence, I feel that everyone should be positive and accepting towards the use of technology as it has a degree of significance in our lives.

(306 words)

REFERENCES
Retrieved 10 Nov 2017, “Digital Differences” by Kathryn Zickuhr and Aaron Smith
http://www.pewinternet.org/2012/04/13/digital-differences/

Retrieved 10 Nov 2017, Professor Susan Halford, Dr Huw Davies and Jo Dixon
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/learning-network-age/3/steps/263013