Ng Ching Peng DTVM 2B/01 1020922

SC8118 TOTAL JOURNALISM (TJ) 2011/2012 Semester 2 Continual Assignment 10

Increasing immersion in the convenience of technology According to Internet World Stats, as of June 2010, 77.8% of Singaporeans are on the Internet, and the number continues to grow. According to the Yearbook of Statistics Singapore, there are about 7.3 million mobile subscribers, with 72% of mobile usage belonging to the iPhone. About 1 in 2 online users use the Internet to do research, or book tickets for travel. The Singaporean government does not appear to be doing anything to slow down the countrys immersion in technology. In fact, the government encourages it in hopes that it would make Singaporean citizens everyday life easier like by installing nationwide Wi-Fi, or adding more stations to the Circle Line that opened in 2011.

A student searches for the location of book titles using a machine at Kinokuniya. Whatever knowledge we seek, whatever we want to find now all at the tip of our fingers.

Citizens carefully checking the extensive bus guide, which has more bus numbers and stops available than before.

Students working on their laptops at Starbucks, where free Wi-Fi is now available.

For families with children, moving from place to place has become much more convenient with technology.

The Singaporean environment is controlled by technology that regulates movement, telling us when to stop or go.

Technology is a big part of everyday life, and even small things like collecting a drink is now run by it.

An increasing number of people are dependent on technology to facilitate movement from place to place, forming long queues at taxi stands, bus stops and MRT stations.

A crowd seeks the easier way out by taking the escalator instead of the stairs.

People seated after finishing their food, texting on their phones instead of talking to each other.

It is rare to see people reading books on the MRT, with more people usually on their electronic devices instead.

Reflection What have I learnt about the chosen issue? I have never fully realized the extent to which Singapore is immersed in technology it facilitates movement and brings us knowledge at our fingertips. Many things are automated or done with the push of a button, even small day-to-day tasks. With everything so ready-made and communication becoming easier, I observed Singaporeans being too used to such luxuries. People become increasingly immersed, shutting themselves off from the world around them explaining the cold feeling of being in the MRT with everyone else on their phones, or with headphones on. We instantly head to what provides an easy way out like taking the escalator instead of the stairs, even if the walk is just one short flight. It has made me realise how dependent we are on technology. Hard work, especially physically, is no longer required once we have machines to work for us. Technology has made our lives almost too easy. I have also learnt that Singapore appears to take technological convenience for granted. Society would collapse if it were taken away from us, people becoming unable to easily do what they were once able to. Later generations, born into such convenience, would be destablised the moment technology becomes unavailable.

What has journalism taught me? Journalism has taught me to take a clearer stance on matters, whether large or small. Being a journalist requires impartiality, and I have also learnt how to maintain neutrality and keep personal bias out of issues while still having my own opinion. Journalism has taught me responsibility, especially over what I write. It has to fit in with the journalism code of ethics, and not infringe any moral boundaries for the sake of the story. Journalism has taught me to be able to identify if something I have written is morally wrong, and to take responsibility for it. I have learnt to maintain a steadfast stand through journalism. A journalist must also be independent and not accept any bribes to write what others want. A journalist reports the truth, which is what journalism has taught me to do tell the truth as far as possible, while keeping an eye out for more detail. At the same time, it has helped me empathise with people, and I have come to understand more about issues people in Singapore face as a result of seeking the truth. Journalism has also taught me how to better look at the events around me on a day-today basis. Many things happen in the world around us, and journalism has helped me to notice them better. There are many people and many stories waiting to be told, as well as many more interesting and unique things happening here in Singapore. They may not always be large-scale or dramatic events, but these little observations and happenings that I have started paying attention to could add up to a bigger picture. Journalism has taught me to look for such things in everyday life, and to appreciate them as everything and everyone has their own unique story to tell.