How has the spread of communications technology affected cultures around the world? Assess the extent to which the Internet is a medium for Western culture alone.

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FC5032T Skills for Study 3         Student ID: 200712158        Class Tutor: Victoria McKay

“ How has the spread of communications technology affected cultures around the world? Assess the extent to which the Internet is a medium for Western culture alone.”

        In the 21st century, technology has become an indispensable part of our lives, the needs of communication and information are much more than the past. Thanks to the new communications technology, examples such as the Internet, mobile phones, television, fax etc, it is more convenient for everyone as information becomes more accessible. It is generally agreed that the development of communications technology affects cultures around the world and bring advantages to everyone. In this essay, I am going to discuss how the cultures are affected by communications technology and assess if the Internet is a medium of Westernization. In addition, examples will be demonstrated in order to support my opinion.

First of all, communications technology is a way to connect to the world, with the help of communications technology, one culture is easily affected by another culture. Nowadays, globalization is a common term, which is used to describe cultures in the world. The meaning of globalization is to bring people of different nations closer through a special medium like the Internet. (Lechner, 2000-2001) Undeniably, the Internet is the most outstanding innovation to provide a platform for self-exploration and social encounter. We can communicate with a person who is in another part of the world in seconds, at the same time, we can get information out of your home country. People can explore other cultures from different ethnicity, share their thoughts together and establish a global friendship easily. (Pakhare, 2007) 

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However, some people criticize that the Internet is a medium of Westernization. According to Kaplan International College (2010, p.26-27), Westernization usually means the cultures are blending by the culture originating in Europe, including the USA and Australia. The idea that the Internet is dominated by the western culture is because 80% of its contents are in English. Thus, people conclude a western culture dominates the Internet because of the English language. (Clark, 1997)

From my point of view, the Internet seems currently in an overpowering English language environment, but it does not mean that it is the medium for one-flow spread ...

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