Difference between revisions of "Digital divide"

Revision as of 16:03, 29 March 2019

The digital divide refers to the gap between people who do and do not have access to computers and information technology. This division is characterized by inequalities between people, including differences in level of income and education, employment, race, and sex. The uneven distribution in access to technology favors certain groups more than others, usually of whom reside in developed demographic areas and have higher socioeconomic statuses. By definition, the digital divide creates barriers to the use of technology in which those with no access cannot use nor benefit from information online and the offerings of the internet. This technological gap between people with and without access exists both within and across countries. The latter is referred to as the global digital divide.

History and usage

The concept of the digital divide was introduced in 1995 during a time when 8% of the United States population had access to the internet. The term's first occurrences in newspapers in the late 90's characterized the divide by unequal access ^[1]. Since then, its definition and application have evolved. With the growing proliferation of technology throughout communities across the globe, the concept of the digital divide is no longer focused merely on access; in fact, the gap in access is narrowing tremendously ^[2]. Today's mobile revolution has enabled people to be more connected than ever, and with greater universal access to the internet, the digital divide is now categorized less by a gap in physical access and more by a gap in digital literacy and technological savviness ^[3].

Disparities in access and technological ability are commonly categorized in terms of developed versus underdeveloped countries, communities of higher socioeconomic status versus lower socioeconomic status, and rural versus urban areas. The definition of the digital divide may differ depending on which of these categories a person is comparing across. For instance, a gap in skills can be attributed to differences in socioeconomic status while a gap in access can be attributed to whether one lives in a rural or urban area, as urban areas offer more widespread access to WiFi.

Implications and ethics

Whether categorizing the digital divide by a lack of access or a lack of skills, both definitions raise ethical questions regarding the disadvantages faced by those who are underprivileged. In today's information age, it’s no longer considered a luxury to participate in the technological revolution; rather, to keep up in business and in society, using the internet is a complete and utter necessity ^[4]. Through the internet, people around the world share and exchange knowledge that enables them to stay informed and educated on every topic in the world. The internet brings information, information brings knowledge, and as commonly coined, knowledge is power ^[5]. Hence, as technology continues to transform how industries operate and how people live, the exclusion brought by the digital divide is only becoming more fatal.

It has become increasingly clear that the internet is at the core of almost everything we do. Whether it be in our personal, professional or academic lives, technology is disrupting the status quo. Eventually, people’s entire lives will depend on it. With it’s tremendous influence comes severe ethical issues to those who are not participating in the digital era. The technology gap is causing people from already underprivileged groups, including those of low socioeconomic statuses and minority races, to lag even further behind ^[6]. . They are growing digitally disadvantaged which is negatively impacting their ability to succeed in areas such as education and business ^[7].

Efforts to overcome the digital divide

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References