This week, I read ‘The Digital Divide Objectified in the Design: Use of the Mobile Telephone by Underprivileged Youth in Sri Lanka’ by Dinuka Wijetunga. The article discusses the disparities in accessibility of communications technologies between classes. The mobile phone has generally been put forward as a solution to this due to its relatively inexpensive nature. However, though the phones are inexpensive, the technology on the phones are often inaccessible to the lower class because of the objectifications included in the technology design.
The article specifically talks about a study in Sri Lanka that highlights these divides. The hope is that giving less developed countries access to mobile phones will give them access to the global economy and technologies while also empowering them. However, it was found that majority of the poor population that receives mobile devices only use them for basic functions. Thus, they are not using their phones to interact with the global economy or broaden their horizons.
I then grew curious about what smartphone usage looks like globally. According to World Atlas, the top five countries with the lowest number of smartphones per capita are American Samoa (4 smartphones per 100 people), North Korea (15/100), Eritrea (20/100), Micronesia (21/100), and Central African Republic (27/100). According to Newzoo, the top five countries with the most smartphone users are China, India, United States, Indonesia, and Brazil. The smartphone penetration in the United States is 82.2%.
I then looked into what life is like in the least connected country – American Samoa. Life there is described as authentic, beautiful, and cultural. The pace of life is extremely slow which highly contrasts the lifestyle in the USA and other western civilizations. One person said it looks like looking out over the Garden of Eden every time you look out your window with mango, papaya, coconut, and banana trees being native to the land. The people are also generally described as friendly and tolerant.
Does the lack of smartphones have to do with this? I absolutely believe so. Smartphones has contributed highly to our fast-pace, low-context, western cultures. Being connected and in the now is highly important to Americans. We like things done and we like them done now. Our notifications simultaneously go to our cellphone, watch, tablet, laptop, etc. which means we are constantly plugged in. We do not value nature and culture in American. In fact, we focus on homogenization and diminishing certain aspects of culture.
Do I think that removing smartphones is the answer to becoming a better society? No. I think at this point, we are too far deep with technology to force people to go cold turkey. The only thing we can do is promote awareness of the effects of using technology and simultaneously promote people slowing down and embracing nature and people. I think anyone will say that spending time in nature is a purifying and refreshing experience. Sure, bring your smartphone with you for the experience but pinky promise to actually enjoy part of it unplugged.
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