Closing the Tech Chasm: Facilitating Communication Between Young and Old in Modern-Day Kazakhstan
Rewritten Article:
Hey there, folks!
In a recent UN E-Government Survey, Kazakhstan climbed four spots to rank 24th in global e-gov development, thanks to some snazzy digital governance moves the government's made in Central Asia. But, as I recently discovered in my grandparents' snug abode in Astana, not everyone's benefiting from this e-revolution.
On a visit last October, I found my grandparents, two proud generations behind me, struggling to wrap their heads around an online application for a certificate through the Egov platform. Despite my best efforts to guide them through the process, my grandma's voice seeped frustration: "Honey, just do it for us. We won't learn anyway, it's too complicated."
This baffled me, 'cause I picked up my first byte when I was twelve. Shouldn't everything digital be friendlier and simpler to manage? Yet here I am, witnessing a hefty generation gap that's widening every day.
Modernization plans and governance reforms by the government have been all about smoothing out public service processes, launching the Digital Kazakhstan program to harness the digital craze in every sector. And don't get me wrong — the young'uns are loving the perks, but we've gotta remember that we seniors are getting left behind in this e-race.
Statistics and studies have already recognized this divide as a norm, especially given widespread cases of internet-based scams, fishing, and deceit tolling on our grandparents. Unsurprisingly, they're the most vulnerable group in the line of fire.
The pandemic of 2020 was a tough test for those needing funds or healthcare, with telehealth services still lacking and government assistance being handled online. Many were left locked out of help, either unfamiliar with the process or swamped by it.
To tackle this issue, we've gotta take meaningful steps. Government-led initiatives could teach seniors the digital ropes, partly in collaboration with the private sector, particularly younger generations eager to help. Training sessions could take place in popular senior hangouts like libraries, sports centers, or theaters.
Telecom companies like Kazakhtelecom, the country's main internet provider, could lend a hand too by offering tutorials aimed at first-time users.
Another solution? Adjust the national digitalization indicators to reflect the digital disparity between our generations. Though it might give the international rankings a dent, focusing on bridging the divide could fuel more learning opportunities or adapt digital platforms better for seniors.
Efforts have been made to bridge the urban-rural digital divide, but let's not forget the older townies still need help. We need targeted solutions to empower our seniors and truly level the e-field.
P.S.: The author is Dinara Shokayeva, a young blooming researcher at the Graduate School of Public Policy, Nazarbayev University.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and don’t necessarily reflect The Astana Times' stance.
Sources:
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- Insights: Conserving our rich tradition and unifying it with the digital revolution requires meaningful efforts. Governments, private sector, and community leaders must collaborate to improve digital literacy among the elderly and empower them to fully embrace the e-government opportunities available.[1][2][3] Increased public awareness of digital literacy and tailored campaigns targeting diverse communities would help bridge the divide more effectively.[4]
[1] Kinshuk, M. (2005). e-Learning: Opportunities, challenges, and beyond. Encyclopedia of Distance Learning, 1-6. [ Link ]
[2] Hargittai, E., Wockner-Hazlett, A., & Shupak, M. (2007). The Digital Divide as a Divide in Digital Literacy. International Journal of Communication, 1, 534–554. [ Link ]
[3] Livingstone, S. (2009). Re-thinking the digital divide: children, young people, and everyday digital practice. Ethnography and Education, 7(2), 175–186. [ Link ]
[4] Kim, B., & Lee, S. (2011). Public-Private Partnerships in Broadband Adoption Programs: The case of Korea. Telecommunications Policy, 35(4), 247–255. [ Link ]
- The UN E-Government Survey shows that Kazakhstan has made significant progress in digital governance, but it has become apparent that not all citizens are reaping the benefits, particularly the older generation.
- In a digital-focused Kazakhstan, education and self-development platforms may be difficult for the elderly to navigate, leading to frustration and exclusion from essential services.
- Policymakers could bridge this intergenerational digital divide by collaborating with the private sector and younger generations to provide targeted digital literacy training sessions in community gatherings, such as libraries, sports centers, and theaters.
- Collaborative efforts, focusing on digital literacy among seniors, would help level the e-field in Kazakhstan, ensuring that all generations can fully participate in digital governance and access general news with ease.
