Digital Divide or Participation Gap?

Mobile Internet Usage                

               In today’s growing technological world, many people are using technology in ways which they never thought were possible before.  High- speed internet and using this internet on our mobile phones are two of the most popular advances that we have seen in recent years.   Every day, more and more people are beginning to join this technological revolution that is filled with smart phones, 4G internet speeds, and mobile internet usage. 

                The Pew Research Center completed a study about the statistics of cell phone users and the amount of their online browsing habits.  Their findings were very supportive of the everyday increase of technology usage that is apparent in recent years.  In 2009, it reported, that all cell phone owners who use email or internet on their mobile device was 31%.  This was significantly lower than the 55% reported in 2012.  Not surprisingly, the demographic that had the largest increase was the age group of 25-34 year olds.   This could be due to the combination of the fact that these individuals have the means to afford these new technologies, as well as the ability to learn the ins and outs of these new technologies. 

Are All On-Board with Today's Technological Abilities?

                As I read more into this technological phenomenon, however, I found that not all Americans are ‘diving’ into this new technological craze.  In a brief report by Kevin Guidry at Indiana University, there appears to be a few reasons why not all Americans are on board with the new powers of technology yet.  One reason, he described, is known as the digital divide, where these families or individuals are less educated and face financial restrictions. A second reason, which he referred to as a participation gap, happens when the conditions in which people access the internet change the way they browse the web. 

                In my own opinion, I think that today there is more of a digital divide, rather than a participation gap present between non-mobile internet users.  The report by Pew Research Center concluded that 55% of adults now access the internet or email from their mobile devices.  This proves the participation gap theory not so relevant today because the adults are the ones who would be most prone to a change in internet usage over the period of their lifetime.  When they were younger, internet was brand new, and they probably had little means of access due to how expensive it was. Today, it is much cheaper and easier to access, meaning that %55 of adults (at least!) have adapted the way they use the internet from when they were younger.  This is why I believe the digital divide is more realistic today. With all this technology improving our lives, the only logical reason that is provided is the inability to afford these new technologies.  The Pew Research Center supports this in their study, as they show that the lowest percentage of mobile internet users is the demographic with household incomes less than 30%.  

What About the Future?

               Since technology is becoming increasingly cheaper over time, I believe in 3-5 years this trend of increased mobile internet usage will greatly decrease the digital divide. In this foreseeable future, more and more individuals will be a part of the mobile audience. 

Entertainment Industry in Japan

                The Japanese entertainment industry is one of the worlds largest and most unique.  There is a large variety of music and films, as well as a huge animation industry. The most popular styles come from artists who draw from traditional artistic and literary traditions. This creates an industry which not only reflects the attitudes and society of today but also provides a link to the traditions of the past. 

                The ever-changing pop culture scene in Japan is similar to that of most first-world countries: full of movies, music, and internet sensations.  Teenagers go to the movie theatres, listen to the radio, and watch television in their free time.  In addition, malls and shopping centers are prevalent.  Game centers, bowling alleys, and karaoke parlors are also ways that the citizens of Japan can have fun when they have spending money.  Currently, the most popular movies in Japan are ‘Outrage Beyond’, ‘Until the Break of Dawn’, and ‘The Mystical Laws’.  Some of the popular songs in Japan today include ‘Ecstasy’ by Kumi Koda, and ‘Tanabata Matsuri’ by Tegomass. 

                Since the entertainment industry is so big, it is in turn very influential to the rest of the world. This effect is similar to the United States’ popular culture impact on other countries, which can be seen in movies such as Slumdog Millionaire.  Not surprisingly, American culture has a profound influence on Japan’s entertainment industry.  Currently, American artists such as Katy Perry, Greenday, The Black Eyed Peas, and Beyonce can all be found on the Japanese Top 20 music charts.  Although the United States’ industry is usually the one doing the influencing, recently, parts of Japan’s pop culture has taken over the United States.  One prime example of this recent occurrence is Japanese rapper Psy’s hit song “Gangnam Style”. The song has hit the US shores with authority, taking over the #1 spot on Billboard’s Rap chart (http://www.billboard.com/charts/rap-song#/charts/rap-song).  Another aspect of Japanese culture that has had a huge impact on the rest of the world is the cartoon animation industry known as anime.  Sold in forms of comic books, movies, and television shows, it is the most powerful aspect of pop culture in Japan.  However, it also has a huge foothold in other countries.  In the United States alone, the anime industry is worth about $4.35 billion, according to the Japan External Trade Organization. 

                Not only is anime very popular in other countries, it is even bigger in Japan where it originated.  Anime has been a part of Japanese pop culture 1917, and has been developed by artists within the country ever since then.  The art form can be produced by being both hand-drawn and computer-generated.  Popular forms of distribution include television series, movies, video games, comic books, and internet-releases.  Anime is one way that artists combine the contemporary styles of today while providing links to the traditions of the past.  One of the most popular anime series’ in Japanese history, called Naruto, is about a young ninja seeking recognition from his village as being the strongest and leader of them all.  In empirical Japan, these leaders of villages and commanders of forces were known as shoguns. The fact that the pop culture in Japan still values hierarchies that were present in the 1600’s is incredible.   

Psy's #1 Hit 'Gangnam Style' 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZkp7q19f0