The Cyberculture Age
In
the latter half of the 20th century, the rapid development of the
Internet had a most remarkable influence on the world's politics,
economy, society and culture. High-tech has changed not only whole
social structures and economies, but also people's deep-seated
attitudes and behaviors.
A
report released by China Internet Network Information Center
revealed that by June 30, 2002, China already had some 16 million
computers online providing daily access to 46 million Internet
users.
The cyberculture age is upon us. This is proving to be a unique
social phenomenon bringing profound changes to society. Used
properly, the Internet can bring the rewards of efficiency and
perhaps even some joy into people's lives. But inappropriate use is
sure to have negative effects and may even bring danger.
On
the one hand the Internet opens up a totally new cultural window of
opportunity. Virtual communities, e-commerce, access to
information, distance learning and e-mail enable people to work,
study, search, shop, chat or play on the Internet. It releases a
totally new range of experience.
On
the other hand while people enjoy this channel for open and mutual
communication they must also accept that this is a freedom of
information. It is not a freedom from either the rule of law or
from the proper bounds of morality.
Some information placed on the Internet is downright dangerous.
This is the "black culture" of negative ideology, pornography and
violence. Such influences may tempt the unwary netizen into doing
something that is fundamentally wrong.
Then there are the "hackers" who break into the computer
information systems of others without authorization. They attack
these systems. They steal, falsify and delete information. They
downgrade computer systems in whole or in part with their viruses.
This has become a serious crime. It jeopardizes state security,
commercial secrets and personal privacy.
The times we live in require that we should introduce and perfect a
new code of Internet ethics and bring in the necessary protective
legislation.
The Confidence of Youth
Modernization started late in China. Therefore, the Chinese
approach development with a strong sense of urgency coupled with
high expectations.
It
has been the great mission of several generations to revitalize the
nation. Founded on such a long and brilliant civilization but
lagging behind in modern times. A survey in 2000 among Chinese,
Japanese and South Korean youngsters showed the Chinese to have the
strongest sense of national identity. Also, they are more likely to
want to contribute to their country. China has bounded
enthusiastically into the new millennium's "bright new world" while
other nations were in more somber "end of century mood."
In
2001 China won the bid for hosting the 2008 Olympic Games, held the
21st Universiade (World University Games) and hosted APEC (the
forum for Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation). The country joined
the World Trade Organization (WTO). The national Football Team
participated in the World Cup for the first time. A US sociology
professional called it "China Year." 2001 greatly increased the
sense of national pride of the Chinese people and raised their
expectations for national development and revitalization.
Also at the turn of the century, China realized the second-stage
goal in its modernization strategy with a doubling of gross
national product (GNP). By the end of the 9th Five-Year Plan China
had bid farewell to a shortage economy and was stepping into a
comparatively well off society. In the period of the 10th Five-Year
Plan (2001-2005) new challenging goals are there to be
achieved.
In
2000 a survey of residents of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and
Chengdu showed that most had confidence in China's development in
the new century. In the 15 to 19 age band, 69 percent expressed
confidence. The split was evenly spread between "great confidence"
and "confidence". And in the 20 to 34 age band, 65 percent
expressed confidence. Here the split was 26 percent with "great
confidence" and 38 percent with "confidence."
With WTO entry China has become more open to the outside world.
This is a time of training and developing skills, a time of new
employment opportunities. People have high expectations for the
future of the nation and for their own futures.
Values now and for the future
The changes in Chinese people's way of thinking have been both
extensive and profound. This becomes apparent when a comparison is
made between the conditions in society before and after the
opening-up policy. The most obvious general trend has been a drift
from traditional to modern values. This is consistent with the
direction of China's social development and will further accelerate
modernization in China.
But to move completely from traditional to modern values will not
happen all at once. It takes time for new economic systems, social
structures and cultures to mature. For now the values of society
draw on a mix of both the traditional and the modern. Over time
these will compete for position and eventually merge together into
a new composite whole. As this blending process is working through,
values may seem less clear-cut while the underlying influences are
still neither quite one thing nor the other. Moreover, there are
imbalances in economic, social and cultural development and a more
traditional way of thinking still holds sway in the less well
developed regions.
Sadly no society is perfect and not everyone is altruistic. In a
2001 survey in rural areas some 59 percent agreed that "it doesn't
pay to be honest" 25 percent disagreed and 16 percent couldn't
decide. So most people doubt the value of honesty and this could be
seen as a reaction to uncertainties over what to believe in and
what to value.
As
to the propositions "to have money is to have everything and money
makes the world go round" 61 percent agreed 31 percent disagreed
and as usual some couldn't decide. This unfortunate emphasis on
money might well be thought consistent with a perception of still
lagging behind economically.
But we should view such negative attitudes associated with cynicism
over honesty and liking for money as just a temporary phenomenon.
The positive side is perhaps that it is known such issues need to
be addressed and to be addressed without delay.
Working towards achievable targets motivates and nothing succeeds
like success. The unremitting efforts of all responsible members of
society can bring within reach the aim of a just society with
values soundly based on a rational approach and sound values.
A
lack of openness, conformity to what has gone before, parochialism
and an absence of flexibility distinguish the world of traditional
values. All these are alien to a modern and forward-looking social
conscience.
Now is a time of transformation from old ways of thinking to a new
open society, rich in innovation, inclusiveness and adaptability.
We are in a time of growth, beyond expectation. Attitudes for such
times could do well to be based on practical idealism coupled with
a down to earth optimism.
(China.org.cn by Li Jinhui and Chen Lin, September 30, 2002)