- Lhamo T, Oyama T 2015, ‘The Role of Mass Media in Bhutan: Accessibility, Influence and its Impacts’, Journal of Mass Communication and Journalism 5:266. doi:10.4172/2165-7912.1000266
This journal article goes in depth into the introduction of TV and the Internet in Bhutan (both in 1999!) and how that affected the Bhutanese community. The article also points out the growth of the film industry in Bhutan, with 241 films being produced out of Bhutan by 2012.
The biggest change for Bhutan outlined was the growth in social connections throughout the country. However, despite the benefits of the internet Bhutan has noticed the bad aspects as well, potentially more so than other countries due to the rapid introduction of these technologies in the country. These negative impacts include weakened familial bonds, more youth violence, less attention to homework, increase in materialism etc.
The growth of the Internet has also meant an increase in pop culture in Bhutan. For example, most of the time, people were entertained by live music, that’s what they sang along to and danced to, however, now there is an increase in the use of recording devices and listening to prerecorded music. These changes are also severely impacting the traditions and culture of Bhutan.
Lhamo and Oyama’s article looks at the various aspects of mass media in Bhutan and how it has affected the country on multiple levels, positively and negatively.
- Chepesiuk, R 1998, ‘Bring Internet to the Developing World’, American Libraries, vol. 29, issue 8, pp. 55-58
http://search.proquest.com/pqrl/docview/197162852/abstract/36FC232DD1564769PQ/1?accountid=13552
This article is severely outdated – I’m not denying that. Especially considering the topic of the Internet. So much as changed in the past 18 years. However, looking past that, the general points that it makes in terms of how the Internet can help the developing world are still valid.
Despite a lot of changes occurring in the last 18 years, there are many developing countries with little or no access to the internet or with access but no information and education surrounding it.
One of the biggest points that the article brings up are the access to libraries worth of information that a lot of communities couldn’t dream of. Chepesuik describes the electronic library as the future of all libraries for the developing world. These thoughts are still very relevant, we can look at situations now where the infrastructure is in place, however, the internet is only being used for games and videos.
The other valuable point is how many countries in Africa are worried about the impact the internet is going to have in terms of the social and cultural aspects of their society. Censorship is a valid point raised and stills a highly debated topic, especially considering the case study of China.
The costs that Chepesuik evaluates are even more of a worry now, with some of these things being more expensive, communities cannot afford to pay for access to license fees, server costs and copyright charges.
This is why this article can still remain a useful resource when considering the Internet in third world countries.