Technology And Cultural Identity

What is cultural identity? Cultural identity is the feeling of acceptance into a culture. Keeping cultures alive is dependant on communicating and practicing its norms within a community. Technology is now being prioritized over the learning and strengthening of culture. When technology cuts off interactions in households, it can lead to an unempathetic generation that is unable to communicate effectively without a screen in hand or identify with their native culture.

The increase of the use of technology has negatively affected the communication flow in families. The growing need to consistently have and check electronic accounts, in adults and kids alike, has blurred the lines between work/school and home. There is no more ‘work stays at

Results revealed minimum rules toward internet and gaming in households. Thailand holding the highest percentage of families with such regulations at 34%. Across Asia, more than half impose no rules towards the use of technology (MediaBUZZ). According to an A.C. Nielsen report, 54% of kids ages 4-6 preferred to spend their time watching television over being with their dads (Williamson). This is extremely alarming as quality time with family is being displaced by electronics. A major example of this can be found during family dinners. If you go to a restaurant, more often than not, families are paying attention to their individual devices. Family dinners are supposed to be tech-free but even in houses, many eat in front of the TV. Psychologists say that family dinners are very important as the interactions help strengthen the areas of the brain connected to higher mental functions, deal with emotions and memory, and alleviate stress (Williamson). So by indulging technology, people are deprived of such important interactions in one’s daily life. Consequently, the globalization of technology, in terms of child development, would be a generation unable to empathize and detect non-verbal signs in conversations. Another consequence would be the loss of a sense of cultural identity in this generation. People can’t just simply gain culture through

The article from Psychology Today was written by psychologist and University of San Francisco professor Dr. Jim Taylor (“Jim Taylor Ph.D.”). Dr. Joanne Orlando, an expert in the fields of both children and technology, is the author of the article from The Sydney Morning Herald (“Doctor Joanne Orlando.”). The article from MediaBUZZ is based purely off of a Microsoft study and quotes Frederique Covington who is Microsoft Asia-Pacific’s central marketing organization leader (MediaBUZZ). Lastly, HowStuffWorks says that “science, verifiable data, peer-reviewed study and expert sources are at the heart of our work” and this goes for every article (“HowStuffWorks FAQ.”). Overall, technology has its advantages and disadvantages. Some of the downsides include altering the amount of positive interactions within a family which leads to an unempathetic generation, unable to communicate effectively or identify with their native culture. So even though technology has had multiple positive effects on the world, people must still be careful not to let great advancements lead to the social and psychological demise of coming