Dr Lim Poh Hin Consultant Neurologist KPJ Ampang

Dr. Lim Poh Hin Consultant Neurologist KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Generation Gap: The Digital Divide

YOUNGER GENERATION ADOPTS TECHNOLOGY RAPIDLY • With progress, each succeeding generation become familiar with their generation’s advances Son at age 1 year 11 months

Newer Generations Use Newer Tech • Older individuals less interested in adopting newer technology • • May be intimidated by complexity, afraid to look stupid before younger generations May be unsure of the dangers inherent in new technology (hacking, identity theft), unwilling to take risks

FOR GOOD OR EVIL… TECHNOLOGY IS VALUE NEUTRAL. CAN BE USED FOR GOOD OR EVIL. IT CAN COMMUNICATE INNER THOUGHTS OF YOUR LOVED ONES, IT CAN UNITE FAMILIES…

Or divide families… Family Together at the Dinner Table (Digital Age Edition)

Our Electronic Babysitter circa 1980

Our e-Babysitter Circa 2017

Alienation from Family Members Not New… • Generation gap is not about technological differences • It is about Indifference/ neglect of relationships between the generation • It is about NOT making effort to bridge the gap • Danger – lack of connectivity weakens the social fabric of the family, the community and the country

PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS • Reach out in love. Younger generation will respond to being listened to and reassured of being loved • Do things together not individually. Play games. Eat together (without e-gadgets) • Learn new things – be humble enough to ask for help with new technology

THANK YOU