essay draft 1

Introduction

 Singapore takes on the challenge of an extremely fast paced world with increasing digital connectivity as a chance to connect with its citizens. The government is able to connect with its citizens through various online and social platforms. Singapore government as soon realised the importance of information and communication technology ICT, and developed various master plans to construct a well-connected society. According Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore IDA, (IDA , 2014) Internet and computer usage among the population were 71% and 72% respectively in 2011. The usage demographics according to (IDA , 2014) revealed that 96% of those age ranges 15-34 years accessed the internet while 15% of those age 60 years and above had used the internet in that year. Based on the data above it shows that the elderly population tend not to use the internet as much which could possibly because they do not see the rationale in doing so their everyday life. Thus I believe that there exists a digital divide between the elderly in a family and the rest of the family members.  

Reason for the digital divide and the potential problems as a result

The reason for the digital divide to exist could simply be due to ignorance or lack of knowledge of the benefits of being plugged in, among the elderly.  The digital divide could be due to factors like gender, education and social –economic status (First Monday, 2005). One should note that the diffusion rate of technology among elderly is on the rise but still lags behind the young generation.  However the bigger concern should be the potential problems that could arise as a result of this digital divide between the elderly and younger generation. Such a divide could result in social problems for the elderly as they might feel left out and feel “digitally isolated “from the rest of the family members who are plugged in.  Therefore in this essay I will be mainly focusing the issue of isolation caused by this so called digital divide, evaluate IDA’s on -going efforts to bridge the gap and suggest a solution to narrow the gap the exists.

IDA’s on- going efforts

The Silver Infocomm Initiative (SII) aims to bridge the digital divide among senior citizens by addressing their differences in educational background, language and infocomm competencies (IDA, 2014) The SII includes programmes that provide access to IT training and computer resources, and engage senior citizens in various Silver Infocomm events such as Silver Infocomm Day. Nine senior-friendly and conveniently located IT learning hubs, called Silver Infocomm Junctions (SIJs), are set up island-wide at venues such as Eunos and Bouna Vista community clubs. The SIJs offer affordable infocomm training and customised curriculum for senior citizens. Senior citizens are also able to enjoy follow up tutorials for more in-depth learning (IDA, 2014). The success of the initiative depends on the reach, accessibility and frequency of the initiative. For such efforts to be successful there needs to be a medium for information to be transmitted to the elderly as if they might not be aware of such opportunities available for them.

Proposed solution

Infocomm Development Authority IDA, national agency, organise monthly campaigns around neighbourhoods, to promote the use of internet among the elderly. For example IDA could have computers set up at the campaign with personnels to guide the elderly along basic computer applications like opening a website, browsing the internet and using the internet, search engines like Yahoo and Google to find the necessary information

Conclusion

The digital divide between the younger and older population namely the elderly, is not likely to be closed in the near future however efforts could be channelled to narrow the divide as more and more elderly are opening to the idea of internet and using technology. Thus if the internet become more widely used among the elderly it will reap benefits for them (First Monday, 2005). Ida has been constantly coming up initiatives to bridge the digital divide however what is foremost needed to narrow the gap is a change in the mind-set of the elderly in using ICT.  For such a change to happen, it will take time and effort. Also the burden of narrowing the digital divide should not only fall on government agencies like the IDA but it should be shouldered by everyone especially the younger generation who needs to take step forward to help the elderly assimilate.

Ps- i am still working on the draft and this draft is not complete yet.

Bibliography

First Monday. (2005, October 3). Retrieved from http://firstmonday.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/1286/1206

IDA . (2014). Retrieved from http://www.ida.gov.sg/Infocomm-Landscape/Facts-and-Figures/Infocomm-Usage-Households-and-Individuals#4

IDA. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.ida.gov.sg/Collaboration-and-Initiatives/Initiatives/Store/Silver-Infocomm-Junctions-and-Hotspots