Over the last few weeks we have had some interesting discussion on the role of Internet media in creating and maintaining cultural identity. Much of the debate has centred on whether the Internet can create a space for people to voice their opinions, connect with others, and experience new and interesting things. Considering the multicultural nature of Canadian national identity, a new survey that tracked global Internet use is interesting to examine. According to the study, Canadians spend more time online then citizens of any other country. In fact, we spend almost double the amount of time online. The average Canadian spends 43.5 hours online per month, while the global average is 23.1 hours per month. What does this say about how we as Canadians see ourselves (to borrow a term from Michael Wesch) on the global dance floor? If Canada is as multicultural as we make ourselves out to be, what does our Internet use say about how people connect with other cultures around the world? Perhaps we can use this example as one that represents the ways in which immigrants and people of diasporic groups use online media to connect with a global society.
It is also very interesting that the image used in this article by the CBC (and posted above) shows two women smiling and connecting together over a laptop. These two women are not white, and (obviously) not male. They seem to represent Canadian diversity, as presented by the CBC. What does an image such as this mean to Everett’s argument regarding the digital divide? Perhaps in the world of web 2.0, or at least the Canadian usage of web 2.0, we can understand a broader, more inclusive public. While the article does not mention how various cultural groups use the Internet or in what numbers, it does mention a growth in the number of people over the age of 55 who have started using the Internet.
Examining the use of the Internet in Canada is also interesting given the recent controversy over usage-based Internet billing. This mandate would have allowed Internet service providers to charge users per Gb used, rather than a flat rate per month. Almost half a million Canadians signed the petition to keep companies from being allowed to charge per-usage billing. This, when taken together with the amount of time Canadians spend online, creates an interesting picture of the ways Canadians connect with each other, and those around the world.
Although it is difficult for me to comment in terms of multinational/diasporic groups, as I am not part of one, I think it can be observed that the Internet plays a hugely important role in the way people connect with friends, family and their "homeland" via this new medium. It would be interesting to see a study that views Canadians' Internet usage and its connection to diasporic peoples who use this medium primarily as a means to keep in touch with others. My guess would be that our Canadian usage number is so high because we are such a multicultural country and many immigrants want to keep in touch with those from their homeland, which the Internet seems to be the most practical medium to do so. Again, this is just a guess!
ReplyDeleteAccording to my own experience, internet is certainly the primary way of communication. Instand Messenger, Skype, E-mail, and even internet phone call...During Chinese traditional holidays, the internet is always turning to be slower than usual!
ReplyDeleteI agree that the internet should not be charged based on GB/month as it restricts users from the free flowing communication the Internet boasts. Now when I use the Internet I must be conscious of how much I'm using, how long I use it for, how much I can stream, how much my roomates can stream, etc. Its as if we need to calculate our ability and capability of communicating each month. If we communicate TOO much we are subject to fees. Which, in essence, seems highly unethical or unfair to those who need to use Skype to contact their homeland.
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