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
has realised the importance of information and communication technology ICT, and
developed various master plans to construct a well-connected society. According
to Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
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 belonging to the age range of 15-34 years accessed the internet while 15% of
those aged 60 years and above, had used the internet in that year. Based on the
data above, it clearly spells out that the elderly population tend not to use
the internet as much as they may not see the rationale in doing so. Because of
the low usage of the internet by the elderly as illustrated above, it brings
about a situation where there is a digital divide between the elderly and the
rest of the family which puts the elderly at a disadvantage due to their
“digital isolation”. One of the national agencies in Singapore, IDA has been
active in trying to bridge the gap through its various policies such as the Silver Infocomm Initiatives which shows that
it is moving in the right direction. .
Therefore, in this essay I will be mainly focusing the issue of isolation
caused by this so called digital divide, evaluating IDA’s on -going efforts to
bridge the gap and suggesting a solution
to narrow the gap the exists.
Reasons
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.
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 occupy
senior citizens in various Silver Infocomm events such as Silver Infocomm Day. Nine IT learning hubs, which are senior-friendly and suitably
located, called Silver Infocomm Junctions (SIJs), are set up island-wide at
venues such as Eunos and Bouna Vista community clubs. (IDA, 2014) The SIJs offer reasonable 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).
Evaluation of IDA’s efforts
It is commendable that IDA is taking
effort to bridge the digital divide between the elderly and the rest of the
family members however the policies need to tackle the root cause of the
problem and I feel it missed the bull’s eyes.
In this case, the reason why elderly aren’t plug is due to their
ignorance and they do not see the need to be. Thus the policies that are rolled
out should hit focus on educating the elderly to make a more informed choice
when it comes to using technology and internet. Though SII includes programmes
that provide training and access to IT, the success rate of such programmes
might be low as many elderly might not be so forth coming in attending them as
they simply might not see any incentive in doing so. Furthermore elderly might
need more time to comprehend how to use ICT, in comparison to the younger
generation thus, it is important that IDA continually promote the use of ICT in
time to come. Also there seems to be no concrete way for IDA, to track whether
the elderly who used the SII programme benefit or any if they have feedback
thus IDA could come up with a feedback system, so that the elderly could voice
their opinion on the implemented programs and also the feedback system enables
for a 2 way communication between the IDA and the elderly.
Proposed
solution and evaluation
IDA can organise monthly campaigns called “Use the Internet
with me” around neighbourhoods, to promote the use of internet among the
elderly For example IDA could have computers set up at the campaign with personnel
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. This proposed solution draws
inspiration from previously implemented initiatives by IDA such as the SII
programme however what is different is that, the elderly have to come with one
of their family members to use the internet at the campaigns around the
neighbourhood. In a case if an elderly
is living on his/her own, the personnel will be partnering with them. Though
there will be personnel stationed at ever booth, the elderly have to compete a
certain number of tasks for example , opening a web browser , search for some
terms using the search engine with the help of the family member and submit the
answers online to complete the task. Though critics might argue, that the
participation rate might be low, however the main motive of the campaign is to
help the elderly learn how to use the ICT in a fun and interactive way and that
to from their own family member. Such
campaigns can also reap other potential benefits such as increasing the bon
between the elderly and the rest of the family members. Also to get more
participation from the elderly IDA could have some prizes for the top 3 winners
from the monthly campaign such as NTUC vouchers to incentivise more to take
part in these campaigns.
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.
References
First Monday. (2005, October
3). Retrieved from http://firstmonday.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/1286/1206
Infocom
Development Authority of Singapore . (2014 a). Retrieved from
http://www.ida.gov.sg/Infocomm-Landscape/Facts-and-Figures/Infocomm-Usage-Households-and-Individuals#4
Infocom
Development Authority of Singapore. (2014 b). Retrieved from
http://www.ida.gov.sg/Collaboration-and-Initiatives/Initiatives/Store/Silver-Infocomm-Junctions-and-Hotspots
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