Ethics · 2020Ethics10 MarksSection A
Q10.“The current internet expansion has instilled a different set of cultural values which are often in conflict with traditional values.’ Discuss.
Directive: Discuss10 marks
Introduction
The pervasive expansion of the internet has profoundly reshaped societal norms, introducing a new set of cultural values that frequently challenge or diverge from established traditional beliefs and practices.
Body
Internet-instilled Cultural Values
- Individualism, consumerism, and a global outlook
- Instant gratification and digital literacy
- Freedom of expression and transparency
Traditional Values
- Emphasis on community, hierarchy, and respect for elders
- Local identity, patience, and collective good
- Privacy and deference to authority
Areas of Conflict
- Privacy: Open sharing versus traditional secrecy.
- Social interaction: Virtual connections often supersede physical community.
- Authority: Questioning established norms versus deference.
- Cultural identity: Global homogenization versus local distinctiveness.
Areas of Convergence and Adaptation
- Reinforcement of traditional values, e.g., connecting diaspora or preserving heritage.
- Facilitating community building through online groups.
- Dynamic interplay leading to adaptation and synthesis of value systems.
Conclusion
This dynamic interplay necessitates a balanced understanding, recognizing both the inherent conflicts and the potential for coexistence, adaptation, and even reinforcement of certain traditional values in the evolving digital landscape.
160 words · target ~150