Even though the web has been a big influence on people’s lives in the past 10 years, there are still people who don’t have access to the internet. This is where the “digital differences” come in and various studies have stated that “digital differences” are shaped by social inequalities and factors such as Demography and Economy background determines the level of interaction with the web made by an individual.
A research by (Kathryn Zickuhr and Aaron Smith, 2012) stated that demographic factors influence the most on the internet usage. People who are in their late 50s with low education attainment and socioeconomic background. The Older generation doesn’t know how to use the devices and access the web. This can be changed if the older generation expresses interest to learn and the younger generation takes initiative and teaches the know-how of the web to them patiently.
The socioeconomic background represents one of the most pronounced gaps in internet access. People with low social and low household income can’t afford the electronic devices with advanced functions, for, without the devices, there is none internet usage. People also feel the burden of internet expenses incurred by the bills and purchases made online.
However, there are many developments made with the devices which almost all devices have 3G internet function and many public places offer free wi-fi connection. Moreover, there are many beneficial deals that offer internet usage at low prices or discounts offered for devices, thus, I believe there will be an increase in internet user population.
In conclusion, internet usage should be unlimited to an individual despite the inequalities as there are developments to improve access for all. One should get over the fear of not picking up internet skills as constant practice and passion are the keys to success.
(296 words)
Myat Moe Thu Aung 
Hi Michelle~ Great work with the blog post! ^_^
You talked about how the older population should accept the technology evolution and start to learn how to use the Internet with the help of younger generation. I happen to have some personal experience with that. Just recently, my parents gave my grandparents an ipad as a gift to celebrate their move from countryside to an apartment in the city. After they installed wireless service, my mother and I slowly taught them how to use the ipad. At first they were so afraid that they would break the device and ask us to write each step down. With a period of adjusting and learning, however, they now can easily use it to read the news on local forum and watch TV series on different apps. My grandparents also laughed about how they now know the charm of digital devices. So I think it is only a matter of time and effort for the elderly to acquire the digital skill they needed and these skills can certainly improve their life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello August!
Thank you reading and giving a feedback on my post! I’m glad to hear that your grandparents have learned the act of using the technology. \^^/ I think it’s admirable for you to exert effort and patience teach them as it’s difficult for younger and older generation to connect on the matter of technology nowadays. Thank your for sharing your story!
Cheers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Michelle,
I enjoy reading your ideas of how the demographic issue can be improved by engaging more older generation to learn the Web! I am currently teaching my grandparents on how to use Facebook on the tablet so that they can stay connected with their children. Unfortunately, I wont be able to find enough time to teach them how to use the Web due to my busy schedule. Hence, are there other ways that allow the older generation to learn how to access the Web?
Pertaining to socioeconomic background, can you share with me about your experience in accessing the Web in your hometown? Are there any common difficulty faced by Myanmarese? I have also come across a 3-min video which may support your statement! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lgzzAimUlU. The implementation of geo batch in California enhances the connectivity for the students so that they can learn more knowledge through digital resources on a 24/7 basis!
Hope to hear your thoughts soon! It would be great if you could add more graphics to support your ideas!
Cheers,
Xin Yi
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi XinYi, sorry for my late reply and thank you for taking your time to read my post and giving feedback!
As for giving time for the older generations, what I personally do for my mom is I tried to help her with chores to give her more free time and use that time to teach her or try to clear my schedule to match with my mom’s free time. My mom is still struggling with the internet but I believe she will get it soon.
As for my personal take on digital differences, you can kindly check it out at my reflection post. Do ask if you have further questions, happy to answer them!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Topic 1 – Reflection Time – Hello there!
Pingback: Misunderstanding & Reflection – Nest to Reflect