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)