INQUIRY FINDING 48: Changes to the traditional way of living has increased privacy and physical separation of houses, reducing likelihood of family violence intervention and also has led to the disempowerment of both men and women in the village context. 10.4.4 Technology The nature of life in Samoa has changed almost beyond recognition in the past 20-30 years as a result of the onset of technology. It is not uncommon to be driving through the rural villages and see a large flat screen TV taking pride of place in a traditional, modest, open-walled fale. There are many advantages that these developments can bring. Access to information and entertainment is easier than ever before. In times of emergency it can play a vital role in saving lives. But there can also be negative consequences, usually unintended and unforeseen. The pace at which technology is affecting the lives of the average Samoan is electric. Within a decade mobile phones have gone from the privilege of the rich to commonplace and now many children and young adults have unrestricted and constant access to the internet through their phones and/or through the phones of their peers. Whilst this can confer positive impacts, it can also lead to negative consequences, including reduced mental well-being, development of unhealthy sexual expectations, reinforcement of sexual entitlement and gender inequality. Such consequences were noted by Inquiry participants to be a result of promotions by service providers (e.g. late night free call, texts etc.). The amount of time children spend on their phones, and particularly on social media, is a growing concern worldwide. The senior executives of companies such as Apple, Facebook and Twitter are speaking out on their concerns of the impact too much time using electronic devices is having on the younger generations. Research is showing that excessive usage of electronics and social media can lead to unrealistic expectations within children, low self-esteem, anger and frustration.130 All of which can increase the risk of family violence. INQUIRY FINDING 49: Increased use of electronics is likely leading to increased social anxiety among children, which in turn leads to an increased risk of family violence. 11. The cycle of violence Violence is a self-sustaining phenomenon that can occur at both an individual and societal level. Violence is a cause of violence in itself and must be considered as such in order to design an effective response and so people can recognize their own position within the cycle of inter-generational violence. 130 Eveline A. Crone and Elly A. Konijn. (2018). “Media use and brain development during adolescence.” Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-03126-x.pdf. Accessed 13 May 2018.