For this project, my partner Kirra Warren and I explored and compared two culturally and technologically distinct cities: La Paz, Bolivia and Seoul, South Korea. The goal was to understand how geography, demographics, and access to technology shape daily life and communication in each location. I focused on La Paz, Bolivia, drawing from personal experience and research, while Kirra focused on Seoul, South Korea, a city known for its technological innovation and fast-paced lifestyle.
One fascinating fact I learned about Bolivia is that while the country has around 40 percent internet access nationwide, only 3 percent of rural areas have reliable internet, creating major obstacles for students and families in remote communities. In contrast, Seoul has a 94 percent internet access rate, but still faces a digital divide among older adults, many of whom struggle with technology due to age-related challenges like hearing or vision loss.
Another key difference is the climate. La Paz, with its high elevation, experiences dry winters and wet summers, while Seoul goes through four seasons, including hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters.
This project taught me the value of teamwork and clear communication. Kirra and I divided the research evenly. Each of us focused on one city and its technology, demographics, and culture. We reviewed each other's work to ensure consistency and collaborated on the layout of the final PowerPoint. I gained a greater appreciation for how technology access varies around the world and how culture and infrastructure influence daily life. Working together on this comparison also gave me insight into effective collaboration and respectful sharing of ideas.