Chapter 7: Ethical Dilemma

So far in this chapter we have not paid any particular attention to the impact of ICT on older people – people who have previously lived within a fairly stable environment. Today the momentum of change is ever increasing. Consequently, older people are becoming ever more concerned and bewildered by the constant alterations that are occurring in practically on every aspect of their daily lives. Stability is being replaced but instability. As younger people embrace e-mail, cell phones, text messaging and the like, the older generations see their post offices closing, no longer is there any personal contact at the bank, and who knows for how much longer they will be able to use a checkbook?

·         How do you perceive the ramifications of computer-based technologies, and the current pace of change impacting on older people?

As we all observe, there are rapid changes relating to computer-based technologies. A lot of ideas have been developed which offer more opportunities for technological advancements. Almost all fields or industries are ICT reliant, means every business activities are underpin with these advancements, and for many years to come, computer-based technologies will stay as the tool to keep our everyday activities easy and possible.

The older people, in one way or another, are the ones that find access to technologies difficult. This is because they find learning new technologies complicated on their part and some are just unable to absorb fast the changes in technologies. Nowadays, the old way of communication is passing. The Pen Pal that was commonly used before was replaced today by cellular phones which are less expensive and trouble-free way to communicate. With these changes, the older people who prefer to communicate to other people through letters would find it hard to send letters since today, the majority of people prefer the use new of technologies, and thus, the possibility of closing post offices and other old industries that older people are used to is at risk.

·         To what extent are they becoming increasingly isolated?

In means of communication, they are increasingly isolated. Latest trends in technologies are no longer their interest. ICT today are considered to be a fundamental prerequisite in order for a person to participate in society. Today, people with no knowledge, or have less knowledge about ICT resources are considered to be out of this world. The older person, who finds hard how to learn these new technologies, also finds hard how to communicate to other people.

·         Is direct personal contact being gradually eroded?

In most cases , yes.

·         Perhaps discuss these issues with an older person that you know, such as family member. Identify key issues.

·         Have these people gained as a consequence of the proliferation of and reliance we place upon computer based technologies and the pace of change that as ensued.

We believe, yes. It might be very difficult for older people to understand how new technologies work, but the new technologies still provide them the advantages of easy access and fun. Example is communicating to a loved one from abroad, through social networking sites and the internet, older people able to talk to their loved ones. Even though they are unable to operate technologies as good as the younger people, somewhat they still able to make use of the technology.