Title: How does Hong Kong deal with the problem of digital divide?

VIS 201- Visual Culture & Digital Media

Name of Student: Ng Yuen Ling, Cat (1013212)
Blog website: http://vis201cat.blogspot.com/







Final Research Paper of

Digital Divide in Hong Kong
















Title: How does Hong Kong deal with the problem of digital divide?

With the rapid development of the information economy, the problem of digital divide has emerged and has become a subject of international concern. Digital divide refers to the inequality of access to the internet.[1] Recent research within the academia indicates that the digital divide can be identified at three levels – national, organizational and individual.[2] At individual level, the victims of digital divide are those without or with limited access to the internet and those unable to use the internet effectively.[3] They are mostly the poor living in the remote areas. They are those who are technologically, sociologically, or economically disadvantaged and they may lack or give up access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). By doing so, they have created a gap between themselves and those who choose to make ICTs an integral part of their daily life. As a result, they have sustained the digital divide in a country.[4]

In this essay, I will focus on the digital divide in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is one of the most advanced economies in the Asia-Pacific Region; its Information technology (IT) development is at the forefront of the region. Hong Kong also has excellent telecommunications infrastructure and our personal computer and Internet penetration rates are comparable to any advanced economies in the world. A substantial proportion of our population readily has the opportunities to access IT and the use of the Internet. Digital divide is less an issue to Hong Kong as compared with other places.[5] However, we need to focus on how to avoid its emergence and to strengthen the Hong Kong community to exploit opportunities in the information economy. Therefore, I will analysis the current situation of digital divide in Hong Kong in depth.

First, I would like to analysis why digital divide is a problem or a threat to a developing countries. Is that Hong Kong people cannot live with information technology (IT)? Indeed, understanding the existence of the digital divide in Hong Kong is important to its management and policymaking, since the digital divide has profound impact on how businesses of Hong Kong should compete globally, the creation of a knowledge-based organization, the diffusion of electronic commerce, and strategies for offering online services and products, and policies for promoting access to ICTs. As we all know, Hong Kong has been an international finance centre, however, in recent years, it faces fierce competition with China, Korea and especially Singapore. Thus, in order to maintain Hong Kong’s economic status and competitiveness, it is inevitable to tackle the problem of digital divide seriously.


Before seeking good resolutions to tighten the digital divide in Hong Kong, it is important to have a better understanding of the current situation. On
6th December 2007, Census and Statistics Department announced that it had done a survey on the penetration of using internet from May to August. It has been reported that 74.2％ of individual households have their own personal computer. That means 1,671,600 households can use their computers at home.[6] (The total
Hong Kong population is about 7million in 2007). About 1,580,200 of them already have connection to internet. That means 70.1％ of all Hong Kong households have internet connection. It is higher than the percentage of last year while it was only
67.1％. Around 4,061,500 who aged at 10 or above have at least used computer for at least one time. This significant number is the 66.4％ of the age group of over 10 years old. In Hong Kong, it has a higher percentage of using computer among young, more educated people and students. This phenomenon is similar to many developed countries, for example, USA, UK and Australia.


Concerning online shopping, about 576,800 who aged at 15 and above have used this service for one or more times due to personal affairs. It was counted as 10.1% of the people aged at 15 and above. It was higher than the figure in 2006 which was only 8.8％. In addition, commercial companies, which were interviewed, claimed that their incomes through selling products and services from electronic ways counted as 649 billions Hong Kong dollars. It grew more than 48% when compared with last year. This significant figure shows us that internet has been an important part of Hong Kong economic development. Furthermore, around 37.6％ of people who aged at 10 and above have used electronic government services. That means Hong Kong government can take internet as an efficient way of spreading information.

However, we cannot exclude those minorities who only have limited or no access of internet in Hong Kong. The socially disadvantaged groups are mainly people with lower economic advantage; people with lower education attainment; matured adults age 55 and above; women- housewives especially those in lower income families and unemployed women age 45 and above; people with disabilities; and new arrival from the mainland. [7] It is patently true that the problem of aging and poverty are severe. In the future, it is predicted that the aging problem will suspense and be worse. According to the Hong Kong government’s statistics, in 2031 the percentage of people who aged at 65 and above will be 24% while it was only 11% in 2001. And the percentage of people who aged below 15 will be only 13% in 2031.[8] In my opinion, in order to tackle Hong Kong’s digital divide and help release the pressure of aging and poverty, tightening the digital divide is of paramount importance. In the following, I will illustrate the problem of implementing the resolution of digital divide in Hong Kong.

Regarding the elderly, they are sometimes being neglected about their needs and psychological well being in the Chinese societies. It is believed that information technology can help nurture independence among the elderly in this situation. For instance, the elderly cannot travel as before, the Internet may bring the world to them and provide them with immense information, convenience, entertainment and connection to their friends and families. [9] It is suggested that using the Internet is one of the effective ways in encouraging a sense of self- efficacy among the elderly so that they will be less dependent on others and build up their self-confidence. However, it is not an easy task to tighten the digital divide by helping the elderly. It has been long a stereotype that the elderly are incapable of learning such technology. And they are not willing to learn. But with suitable applications and training, the elderly can also be energetic and enthusiastic computer users like the young. Moreover, for elderly with limited income, the cost of buying computer equipment and accessing internet are considered as luxury items. Therefore, the financial situation of the elderly is a real constraint. What is more, language and literacy are the main problems especially in Hong Kong. [10] It is a known fact that many services and the language used in computer are English. This is another great challenge to the elderly and the lower education group.


In order to concern these needs of these disadvantaged groups, especially for the elderly, the Hong Kong government has made effort. It had invested more than $2.8 billion in 1998-2003 to address the digital divide. For instance, the Social Welfare Department launced a three- year “Opportunities for the Elderly” scheme and provided funds for NGOs, including the multi-service centers and social centers for elderly, to organize activities in 1999. [11] With the purpose of promoting the wider use of computers and IT by the elderly, the government has made a provision of HK$ 7.7 million to finance 869 projects. Moreover, under the “ Community Cyberport” project since June 1999, more than 2,200 PC with Internet connection is provided for free use by the public at convenient locations, for example, community centers, district offices, public libraries, post offices, and government-subvented organizations and voluntary agencies.


Furthermore, Hong Kong government launched the "IT Hong Kong" campaign in September 2000 to promote the wider adoption of IT in the community. It comprises a series of promotional activities, including a territory-wide IT awareness programme. It have also launched an "IT Hong Kong" web site (www.ithk.gov.hk) which serves as a forum for disseminating information to the public on IT and related activities. It will continue with these promotional efforts. It will also conduct survey annually to assess the level of the use of IT in the community.[12]


In order to take care the need of disabilities, Hong Kong government has developed dedicated Community Cyberpoints which have installed special computer facilities such as screen with enlarging device, Braille machine, software for conversion of text into voice, etc. to enhance access for the blind and visually impaired. With an aim to ensure the quality of these facilities, concerned departments will review the scheme to see how it should be further developed. They will also upgrade the public kiosks provided under the ESD Scheme by installing screen enlarging devices to facilitate the visually impaired to make use of the kiosks to access Government online services.


However, besides the facilities, education seems to be the most efficient and effective way of shortening the gap between the Internet have and have-nots. As a result, Hong Kong government develops and publishes best practice guidelines for access to online services. [13] Web sites and electronically available content are made accessible to all groups of people in the community including those with disabilities, such as availability of the web site in both English and Chinese; ability to resize text; use of captions for graphic content and video presentations.

Having regard to international standards, Hong Kong government have developed in collaboration with the industry and disabled groups a set of accessibility guidelines for best practice in web development and electronic transactions. These accessibility standards will be executed in all Government web sites. They will also encourage Government-related organizations and the private sector to adopt such guidelines. These guidelines will also be published and made accessible to the general public and web developers. They will explore the establishment of a web site accreditation scheme so that web sites that meet the accessibility guidelines may be readily recognized[14].

Hong Kong addresses the problem of digital divide early and has been dedicated to solve this problem. It is hoped that the above mentioned resolution will help further tighten the gap of digital divide in the future. As a matter of fact, those resolutions already functioned and had some influences. In 2003, the internet usage and PC usage rates of the age group 55-64 have doubled which are 13.8% and 16.2% respectively while in 2001, the internet usage and PC usage rates of the age group 55-64 are only 6.0% and 8.8%. For the age group 65 or above, the internet usage and PC usage rates rose from 0.9% and 1.2% to 1.8% and 2.2% respectively from the year between 2001 to 2003. Although the number is still relatively low, it is already a good improvement and encouraging figures.

The following is a quotation from the Secretary for Information Technology and Broadcasting, Mrs Carrie Yau Tsang Ka-lai, attended the Asia IT Ministers' Summit in Seoul, Korea today (June 1). I think she has mentioned a very important point of dealing with digital divide. She said"In our Digital 21 Strategy promulgated last May, we have adopted 'strengthening the Hong Kong community for digital exploitation' as a key result area. US$280 million has so far been spent on various initiatives to address digital divide in four specific fronts, namely, education and training; technology diffusion in the community; knowledge and awareness; and access to online services. "However, Government's efforts alone are not sufficient. The concerted efforts and support of the IT industry and the concerned NGOs are necessary if we are to successfully build a digitally inclusive society. "IT co-operation should also extend beyond borders she added.[15] I agree that it is true that concerted efforts and support to the resolutions of digital divide are important.

To conclude, Hong Kong needs to seriously evaluate both the opportunities and challenges created by the internet and new communications technologies. By given the appropriate training method and structure to the victims of digital divide, it is hoped that they will make good use of the information technology and take advantage of this digital new world together with other users.
















Bibliography
Andrea Edmundson, Globalized E-Learning Cultural Challenges, (Information Science Publishing, 2007)


David Gauntlett, “Glossary”. In David Gauntlett (ed), Web Studies, (London:Arnold, 2000)

Digital 21 Strategy, Improve IT awareness and knowledge of the community, retrieved from http://www.info.gov.hk/digital21/eng/strategy2001/strategy_part45.html, 14th December 2007

Henry Kressel, Competing for the future, (Cambridge University Press, 2007)


Jean- Noel Jeanneney, Google and the Myths of Universal Knowledge, (The University of Chicago Press, 2006)


Jolie Lam Chi Yee, Digital divide in Hong Kong, China- The Effects of Self-Efficacy on Elderly’s Internet Usage Intention and Capabilities, retrieved from http://lbms03.cityu.edu.hk/theses/ftt/phd-is-b21069347f.pdf,


Manuel Castells, The Digital Divide in a Global Perspective in The Internet Galaxy, (Oxford: Oxford University Press)


Lam, Chi Yee, Digital divide in Hong Kong, China: the effects of self-efficacy on elderly's internet usage intention and capabilities, retrieved from http://dspace.cityu.edu.hk/handle/2031/4561


Improve IT awareness and knowledge of the community, retrieved from http://www.info.gov.hk/digital21/eng/strategy2001/strategy_part45.html
[1] Manuel Castells, The Digital Divide in a Global Perspective in The Internet Galaxy, ( Oxford: Oxford University Press) p. 248

[2] Lam, Chi Yee, Digital divide in Hong Kong, China : the effects of self-efficacy on elderly's internet usage intention and capabilities, retrieved from http://dspace.cityu.edu.hk/handle/2031/4561, 13th December 2007

[3] Manuel Castells, The Digital Divide in a Global Perspective in The Internet Galaxy, ( Oxford: Oxford University Press) p. 247

[4] Lam, Chi Yee, Digital divide in Hong Kong, China : the effects of self-efficacy on elderly's internet usage intention and capabilities, retrieved from http://dspace.cityu.edu.hk/handle/2031/4561, 13th December 2007

[5] Digital 21 Strategy, Improve IT awareness and knowledge of the community , retrieved from http://www.info.gov.hk/digital21/eng/strategy2001/strategy_part45.html, 14th December 2007

[6] Hong Kong Information Service Department, Digital trade network transactions soar , retrieved from http://www.news.gov.hk/tc/category/infrastructureandlogistics/071206/html/071206tc06001.htm, 14th December 2007

[7] Jolie Lam Chi Yee, Digital divide in Hong Kong, China- The Effects of Self-Efficacy on Elderly’s Internet Usage Intention and Capabilities, retrieved from http://lbms03.cityu.edu.hk/theses/ftt/phd-is-b21069347f.pdf,
14th December 2007
[8] Press Conference on Hong Kong Population Projections 2002-2031,Retrieved from http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200205/07/0507134.htm, 14th December 2007

[9] Jolie Lam Chi Yee, Digital divide in Hong Kong, China- The Effects of Self-Efficacy on Elderly’s Internet Usage Intention and Capabilities, retrieved from http://lbms03.cityu.edu.hk/theses/ftt/phd-is-b21069347f.pdf,
14th December 2007

[10] Jolie Lam Chi Yee, Digital divide in Hong Kong, China- The Effects of Self-Efficacy on Elderly’s Internet Usage Intention and Capabilities, retrieved from http://lbms03.cityu.edu.hk/theses/ftt/phd-is-b21069347f.pdf,
14th December 2007

[11] Jolie Lam Chi Yee, Digital divide in Hong Kong, China- The Effects of Self-Efficacy on Elderly’s Internet Usage Intention and Capabilities, retrieved from http://lbms03.cityu.edu.hk/theses/ftt/phd-is-b21069347f.pdf,
14th December 2007

[12] Improve IT awareness and knowledge of the community, retrieved from http://www.info.gov.hk/digital21/eng/strategy2001/strategy_part45.html, 14th December 2007
[13] Improve IT awareness and knowledge of the community, retrieved from http://www.info.gov.hk/digital21/eng/strategy2001/strategy_part45.html, 14th December 2007

[14] Improve IT awareness and knowledge of the community, retrieved from http://www.info.gov.hk/digital21/eng/strategy2001/strategy_part45.html, 14th December 2007
[15] Hong Kong addresses the 'digital divide', Retrieved from http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/brandhk/0601001.htm, 14th December 2007

References of US data

Revised Text on Chapter 9, “The Digital Divide in a Global Perspective” in the Internet Galaxy, P. 248-252

Dimensions of the Digital Divide

The digital divide means the inequality of access to the Internet. I think it is necessary to overcome inequality in a society because its main functions and groups organized around the Internet.

Digital Divide with US data
According to the survey conducted by the US Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), in August 2000, 41.5% of households and 44.4% of individuals in the US had access to the Internet. In the following, I will further describe the proportion of people who had Internet access of with respect to their personal details, for example, their age, income and education level, occupation etc.

Survey done by NTIA (2000)
Income group
% of people who had access to Internet

Earning $75,000

70.1%

Earning between $25,000 and $34,999

25.3%

Earning between $15,000 and $24,999

18.4%

Earning less than $15,000

18.9%











Education level

% of people with access to the Internet
People with a bachelor’s degree
Or higher

74.5%


High- School graduates

30.6%

Not having graduated from
High-school

21.7%




Age group
% of people with access to the Internet

9-17
53.4%
18-24
56.8%
25-49
55.4%
Over 50

29.6%


Occupation
% of people with access to the Internet
Labor force
29%
Employed individuals
56.7%


Race
% of people with access to the Internet
White
50.3%
Asian-Americans
49.4%
African-Americans
29.3%
Hispanics
23.7%




Gender
% of people with access to the Internet
Men
44.6%
Women
44.2%


Family status
% of households with access to the Internet

Non-family households
(Single or unmarried)

28.1%


Family households
(Married couples with children)


60.6%


Female-headed households
(With children)

30%




According to a special survey by NTIA (1999)
Level of Disability
% of people with NO access to the Internet
Without disability
43.3%
People with some disability
71.6%
People with vision problems
78.9%
People with walking problems

81.5%










Analysis of these US data
Concerning the above information, obviously money income matters the digital divide the most. For instance, the income level also affects the disparity of the disabled and others. (E.g. when income level and age↑, the difference between those with and without disability↓)
Therefore, there was a significant digital divide from children of different income groups. Moreover, this could have important and long-term effects to the future.


A study from the Packard Foundation in 2001 (Reported by Lewin)
Rate of diffusion of the Internet among American children

Year % of American Households (with children aged 2-17)
had a computer at home

1996 less than 50%
(Only 15% of them had Internet access)


2000 70%
(52% of them had Internet access)



The number of children of having access to Internet was growing extremely fast from 1996-2000. In 2000, 20% of children (aged 8-16) had their own computers at their bedrooms and 11% of them had access to the Internet from that location as well.

As we can read from the figures, the digital divide seems to a bit narrower in recent years, but it is clear that many low-income groups still suffer from digital divide. In 2000, 91% of households with incomes over $75, 000/ year had computers whereas only 22% of family income less than $20,000 had computers. Also, low income households were less likely to have Internet access even when they had computers.




Besides the money income factor, relationship of individuals to work determines the chance of having access to Internet. This is because the importance of Internet has been growing, as it becomes essential professional tool.

Therefore, other sources of differential access seem to be diminishing. Rural households are catching up by increasing their Internet access by 75% shortly in 20 months. The proportion of single-parent households with Internet access is also increasing.

Although the gap in Internet access is closing, the ethnic gap is widening. The diffusion rates of African- Americans and Hispanics increase from 19 to 29.3% and 16.6 to 23.7% respectively. What’s more, the divide between African-American household and white households increased in 4% from 1998 to 2000 and the gap between white and Hispanic households increased. As a result, racial inequality remains to be the obvious mark of America and in the age of the Internet.

Visual Materials

The image is a photo which is made by NYTimes article . It came from http://www.newmediacollective.org/repost/. I have included it because it seems to me an advertisement which promotes to give a hand to people in need. I like the headline that "imagine if you could help eliminate the Digital Divide". I believe we all can help indeed.

The image is photo which is made by A Nation Online, Current Population Survey Data Base . It came from http://www.hearusnow.org/index.php?id=380 I have included it because it shows digital divide by racial groups that Blacks suffer from much larger Digital Divide than rural Americans.

The image is photo which is made by UNICEF. It came from http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/china_33546.html. I have included it because it shows children at Xinjing have Internet access. It shows there is little progress in the resolution of digital divide in China.

The image is a bar chart which is made by Internation telecommunication. It came from http://www.itu.int/wsis/tunis/newsroom/stats/. I have included it because it shows the internet penetration in different parts of the areas. It proved that there digital divide in Africa is comparatively serious than any other parts of the world.

The image is a graph which is made by Internation telecommunication. It came from http://www.itu.int/wsis/tunis/newsroom/stats/. I have included it because it clearly show the situation of digital divide in developing world as well as developed world.