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