Astana IT University

SWOT analysis: “Digital Culture”

Book review by:

Zhakupova Diana
Bekturganova Adeliya
Group: ITM-2204
Course: Management & Organization
 SWOT analysis on Digital Culture

New means of communication that appear in our world fundamentally alter cultural values,
attitudes, conventions, and aspirations, and as a result, the human environment undergoes a
digital transition. According to researchers, over the past 50 years, "a critical mass of
consistent inventive advancements have come together to create a tremendous new
"thermonuclear" explosion of information and social interaction" (Meyer, 2018), which could
not help but have an impact on culture. Digital culture is a term that is being used more and
more. (Fedotova, N., & Shirokova, O., 2021)

Strengths
The relevance of digital culture: At the heart of the the proposed approach to assessing the
role of culture in digital transformation is based on the understanding of digital
as an integral part of traditional culture, which, in turn, is seen as a mechanism of human and
community adaptation to new digital technologies.

Flexibility and risk-taking: Rapid response to external, including political, economic, social,
changes, the introduction of technological innovations and new business models can be
provided only with the rapid adaptation of processes of public administration system to
radical changes in the external environment, with the analysis and reasonable and justified
acceptance of risks.

Digital competence of civil servants: Digital knowledge and skills, their systematic
application in professional activities, development potential, and readiness for innovative
technological challenges of civil servants are the basis of successful digital development and
an integral part of the digital culture in the system of public administration. The selection of
personnel and the development of digital competencies is a paramount and necessary part of
the process of establishing a new model of public service.

Focusing on data, not opinions and interpretations: A culture of data-driven decision-making,

especially strategic decisions, with the integration of analytical reports into key public
administration processes is an important part of the digital culture.

Fast communication. People in a digital culture can produce results more quickly. The
decision-making process moves more quickly in digital organizations than in traditional ones
because of their lower hierarchies. A digital culture acts as a rule of behavior that provides
staff members the freedom to use their discretion and make quick judgments.

Weaknesses
Mind: Since the Internet reduces the ability to concentrate and contemplate, the brain
eventually begins to expect information to arrive in the form in which it is distributed by the
Network - in the form of a rapid flow stof particles. Thinking becomes fragmentary, reading
becomes superficial. And as a result, people turn into "decoders of information". And the area
of the brain responsible for abstract thinking is atrophied.
Addiction and distraction: The constant availability of digital devices and stimulation they
provide can make it difficult to focus and be productive (Chou et al., 2005) During the
COVID-19. The overall prevalence of Internet addiction was 36.7% among the general
population during the pandemic, and that of severe Internet addiction was 2.8%, according to
IAT scores. Time spent on recreational Internet use had significantly increased during the
pandemic, and almost half of participants reported increases in the severity of Internet
addiction. (Li et al., 2021)

Privacy and security concerns: The collection and use of personal data by companies and
individuals can lead to privacy violations and security breaches.

Stress: Prolonged immersion in the digital world causes particular fatigue. Many admit that
after a few hours they start making mistakes online. Before leaving the Network, they felt
empty, tired, irritated - in a word, they felt in a "digital fog".

Material Value. Digital culture in its essence lacks physical embodiments, without which
evidences of it’s existence could be forever lost if certain websites or other means of culture
storage were gone.

Opportunities
Expansion of e-commerce: The widespread use of the internet has led to a huge growth in
online shopping and e-commerce. This has created new business opportunities for
entrepreneurs and startups, as well as providing consumers with more convenient and
accessible shopping options.

Development of new technologies: The digital landscape is constantly changing, with new
technologies and applications being developed all the time. This presents opportunities for
businesses and individuals to innovate and create new products and services.

Increased demand for technological skills: The growing importance of technology in all
aspects of our lives has led to increased demand for workers with digital skills. This presents
opportunities for individuals to develop new skills and pursue careers in technology-related
fields.

Global reach through digital marketing: The internet provides businesses with the opportunity
to reach a global audience through digital marketing and advertising. This allows companies
to expand their customer base and reach new markets, regardless of their physical location.

Globalization. Digital culture allows humans create connection without borders, sharing
cultures through world wide web. The culture of spreading one’s personal life through social
media, for example, allows other to have more knowledge about the lives of others.

Threats
Digital divide: The digital divide refers to the unequal distribution of digital technology and
access to the internet (Lythreatis et al., 2021). This can lead to social and economic
inequalities, as those who lack access to technology are unable to fully participate in the
digital culture and are at a disadvantage in terms of access to information, communication,
and opportunities.

Cybercrime: As more personal and sensitive information is stored and shared online, the risk
of cybercrime increases. This can include identity theft, fraud, hacking, and other forms of
cyber-attacks. In addition, the anonymity of the internet makes it easier for criminals to carry
out these types of activities without being caught.

Job displacement: The increasing use of automation and artificial intelligence in the
workforce could lead to job displacement and a decrease in human employment. This can
result in economic instability and social upheaval, particularly for those who are already
struggling in the job market (Ra et al., 2019).

Decreased face-to-face interaction: As more communication and socializing occurs online,

there is a risk of decreased face-to-face interaction and a decline in social skills. This can lead
to a sense of loneliness and isolation, particularly for those who rely heavily on digital
technology for social connections.

Misleading values. Digital culture is embodied in digital communications and marketing,” ...
[digital culture] not only determines the nature and direction of human and social activity,
but also became the main ones that determine the goals and meanings of human life and
work” (Astaf'eva et al., 2018) The goals and meanings can be harmful if they are spread with
the intent of marketing a product or a lifestyle for one'
 References

Lythreatis, S., El-Kassar, A., & Singh, S. (2021). The digital divide: A review and future

research agenda. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 175, 121359.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2021.121359

Uzelac, A. (2008). How to understand digital culture: Digital Culture - a resource for a

knowledge society? Digital Culture: The Changing Dynamics, 7–21.

Ra, S., Shrestha, U., Khatiwada, S., Yoon, S. K., & Kwon, K. (2019). The rise of technology

and impact on skills. International Journal of Training Research, 17(sup1), 26–40.

https://doi.org/10.1080/14480220.2019.1629727

Chou, C., Condron, L., & Belland, J. C. (2005). A Review of the Research on Internet

Addiction. Educational Psychology Review, 17(4), 363–388.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-005-8138-1

Li, Y., Sun, Y., Meng, S., Bao, Y., Cheng, J., Chang, X., Ran, M., Sun, Y., Kosten, T. R.,

Strang, J., Lu, L., & Shi, J. (2021). Internet Addiction Increases in the General

Population During COVID‐19: Evidence From China. American Journal on

Addictions, 30(4), 389–397. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajad.13156

Fedotova, N., & Shirokova, O. (2021). Destructive Trends Of Digital Culture: “Side Effects”

Of New Media. In E. V. Toropova, E. F. Zhukova, S. A. Malenko, T. L. Kaminskaya,

N. V. Salonikov, V. I. Makarov, A. V. Batulina, M. V. Zvyaglova, O. A. Fikhtner, & A.

M. Grinev (Eds.), Man, Society, Communication, vol 108. European Proceedings of

Social and Behavioural Sciences (pp. 597-603). European Publisher.

https://doi.org/10.15405/epsbs.2021.05.02.73