COM3704 Assignment 1
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 2 2025 - DUE
August 2025
For assistance contact
Email:
, Essay 1: New Media and Development
1.1 Critically discussing the extent to which new media contribute to supporting national
development programmes in the global South.
The advent of new media technologies, including the internet, mobile phones, and social
networking platforms, has frequently been hailed as a transformative force for national
development in the Global South. Proponents argue that these technologies can bridge
information gaps, foster economic growth, and empower marginalized communities. However, a
critical discussion reveals that while new media offers significant potential, its actual
contribution to national development programmes is often uneven, fraught with challenges, and
can even exacerbate existing inequalities. The extent of its positive impact is contingent on a
complex interplay of infrastructure, policy, digital literacy, and socio-political context.
New media's contribution to poverty alleviation is most visible in the realm of economic
opportunity. Mobile banking and digital payment systems have enabled financial inclusion for
millions who were previously unbanked, allowing for safer transactions and access to micro-
finance. Furthermore, e-commerce platforms and social media have provided small-scale farmers
and artisans with direct access to local and international markets, bypassing middlemen and
increasing profit margins. The gig economy, facilitated by platforms like Uber and Upwork, has
also created new, flexible employment opportunities. Critically, however, this digital economy is
often precarious, with a lack of social security and regulatory oversight. The "digital divide"—
the gap between those with access to technology and those without—means that these
opportunities are largely unavailable to the most vulnerable populations in rural and remote
areas.
In the context of political development, new media has been instrumental in promoting
democratic participation and government accountability. Social media platforms have become
powerful tools for citizen journalism, enabling the rapid dissemination of information and
mobilization for social movements, as seen during the Arab Spring. E-governance initiatives and
open data portals, facilitated by new media, have the potential to increase transparency, reduce
corruption, and improve public service delivery. However, this is not an unqualified success. The
same platforms can be weaponized for disinformation and hate speech, leading to political
polarization and instability. Governments in the Global South have also used new media for
surveillance and to silence dissent, undermining the very democratic ideals it is supposed to
support.
The role of new media in economic growth is multifaceted. By facilitating access to
information, global markets, and digital skills, these technologies can drive innovation and create
a more competitive workforce. The growth of the information and communication technology
(ICT) sector itself is a significant contributor to GDP. Yet, this growth often coexists with
economic dependency. Many of the most successful digital platforms are owned by multinational
corporations, leading to a flow of wealth out of the Global South. The local digital economies
often lack the structural support—such as reliable energy and regulatory frameworks—to sustain
long-term, equitable growth.
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 2 2025 - DUE
August 2025
For assistance contact
Email:
, Essay 1: New Media and Development
1.1 Critically discussing the extent to which new media contribute to supporting national
development programmes in the global South.
The advent of new media technologies, including the internet, mobile phones, and social
networking platforms, has frequently been hailed as a transformative force for national
development in the Global South. Proponents argue that these technologies can bridge
information gaps, foster economic growth, and empower marginalized communities. However, a
critical discussion reveals that while new media offers significant potential, its actual
contribution to national development programmes is often uneven, fraught with challenges, and
can even exacerbate existing inequalities. The extent of its positive impact is contingent on a
complex interplay of infrastructure, policy, digital literacy, and socio-political context.
New media's contribution to poverty alleviation is most visible in the realm of economic
opportunity. Mobile banking and digital payment systems have enabled financial inclusion for
millions who were previously unbanked, allowing for safer transactions and access to micro-
finance. Furthermore, e-commerce platforms and social media have provided small-scale farmers
and artisans with direct access to local and international markets, bypassing middlemen and
increasing profit margins. The gig economy, facilitated by platforms like Uber and Upwork, has
also created new, flexible employment opportunities. Critically, however, this digital economy is
often precarious, with a lack of social security and regulatory oversight. The "digital divide"—
the gap between those with access to technology and those without—means that these
opportunities are largely unavailable to the most vulnerable populations in rural and remote
areas.
In the context of political development, new media has been instrumental in promoting
democratic participation and government accountability. Social media platforms have become
powerful tools for citizen journalism, enabling the rapid dissemination of information and
mobilization for social movements, as seen during the Arab Spring. E-governance initiatives and
open data portals, facilitated by new media, have the potential to increase transparency, reduce
corruption, and improve public service delivery. However, this is not an unqualified success. The
same platforms can be weaponized for disinformation and hate speech, leading to political
polarization and instability. Governments in the Global South have also used new media for
surveillance and to silence dissent, undermining the very democratic ideals it is supposed to
support.
The role of new media in economic growth is multifaceted. By facilitating access to
information, global markets, and digital skills, these technologies can drive innovation and create
a more competitive workforce. The growth of the information and communication technology
(ICT) sector itself is a significant contributor to GDP. Yet, this growth often coexists with
economic dependency. Many of the most successful digital platforms are owned by multinational
corporations, leading to a flow of wealth out of the Global South. The local digital economies
often lack the structural support—such as reliable energy and regulatory frameworks—to sustain
long-term, equitable growth.
