The Digital Divide

What exactly is The Digital Divide? 

We would all assume living in the 21st century that the entire world would have internet access, but that is not the case. In fact, 34% of the world's population is living an offline life. The Digital Divide refers to the gap between people who have access to modern technology and those that don't. In this divide we identify four different gaps which include: 

Usage Gap - This refers to the lack of sufficient digital skills (i.e. digital literacy)

Access Gap - The Access Gap related to a certain population unable to access ICT. Primarily relates to those in different regions. 

Generation Gap - Almost half of the population between the ages of 65 and 74 years have low digital skills.

Gender Gap - An example of a gender divides where women have reduced access to ICT which in turn results in fewer women choosing a STEM career. 

Dangers and Consequences of The Divide

There are several social and cultural consequences of this divide. The biggest impact in terms of the social consequence/exclusion would be not having access to information and communication connection which can possibly lead to the feeling of isolation effecting mental health. 

Educational barriers are another concern. By not having access to digital technologies, students wouldn't have the chance at receiving a high educational outcome and would lack the literary skills needed to succeed. Which would be the same for job inequalities. For those not having access would in turn result in poor productivity, lack of resources and information. 

Generation Gap 

 

One of the gaps I would like to discus in particular is the Generation Gap, which is more often than not a technological gap. My parents are in their 70's and I see the hesitancy they have to online banking resources, booking appointments online, online shopping etc. and I believe that even if they did have the resources and technological literacy to do these things they would still not use them. I say this because I myself have tried to educate my parents and they don't trust anything online, nor can they figure out how to use the tools they are presented with. I am not saying all boomers refuse to learn because there is certainly some out there that have accepted technological advancement and are successful but this I have found is because they have no choice as some are still in the workforce, but the majority cannot grasp the ever-changing digital world. 

How can we close these Gaps?

Communication and inclusion play a big part in the first step to bridging the four gaps discussed. In my research there has been programs launched which helps allow connectivity in those parts of the world that may not have ICT. Two of those programs that have been mentioned are The Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI) which is a program looking to reduce the cost of broadband internet in specific parts of the world and Starlink that provided a high-speed internet globally at affordable prices via satellites. 

There are several countries that run digital literacy programs that teach both adults and young children the skills needed to help bridge this divide. 

We aren't yet where we need to be in closing the gaps, but progress has been made and with the innovative advancements of technology the future looks bright!