What do we mean by ‘Digital Divide’
The digital divide is the gap that exists between individuals who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who lack access.
Digital inequality is evident between communities living in urban areas and those living in rural settlements; between socioeconomic groups; between less economically developed countries and more economically developed countries; between the educated and uneducated population.
Individuals with access to a broadband connection can be digitally split. How? Low-performance computers, limited broadband speeds and limited access to subscription-based content widen the gap.
Causes of the Digital Divide
Even though access to computers and the internet continues to grow, the digital divide dramatically also continues to persist at an alarming rate due to the following:
Education
Education is a significant investment in healing the digital divide. Low literacy levels are widening the digital inequality gap.
Income Levels
The income gap plays a considerable role in magnifying the digital divide. High-income earners are 20X more likely to access the internet than low-income earners.
Wealthy families are 10X more likely to own computers and at home high-speed internet connection than low-income families. For low-income population money is scarce. Their earnings are channeled towards basic needs. They view technology as a luxury.
Geographical Restrictions
More economically developed countries have access to a wide variety of technology and high-speed broadband connection because of the richness of their economies. Less economically developed countries lack the necessary technology and infrastructure to set up a high-speed internet connection.
In-country geographical restrictions also widen the digital divide. Urban regions are more likely to have access to 4G or fiber optic internet than rural or mountainous zones.
Motivation and General Interest
There is a portion of the global population that has the necessary income; education and computer literacy but have zero interest to learn about computers and the potential of the internet. Some view it as a luxury. Another group finds it too complicated to comprehend.
Digital Literacy
Developed nations have more comprehensive access to computers among other devices and high-speed internet connection. Students who attend schools with sufficient computers and learn the necessary digital skills have an upper advantage over students who are not exposed to these technologies at an early age.
The lack of physical access to technology especially in developing countries widens the gap between the information rich and information poor.
Looking to the future..
This site is part of GL Communities and is here to help in closing the gap in the digital divide in Gloucestershire by giving information and help.