Digital Divide

Digital divide. It used to be such a common term but now as we have taken steps to try and close the gaps the phrase has become less and less popular. According to a poll taken in class, only a few had ever heard the term let alone understand what it actually means. The digital divide refers to the gap between people with effective access to digital and information technology and those with very limited or no access at all. It includes the imbalances in physical access to technology as well as the imbalances in resources and skills needed to effectively participate as a digital citizen.

Over the years people around the world have taken measures to try and close this gap, some successful and some not. There are many different factors that will influence a good transition or not, including income and people’s willingness to accept the technology. There have been many attempts to incorporate technology into societies that aren’t prepared for the digital age at all. One of Obama’s goals is to have everyone in America online. Right now about 70% of adults actively go online. The problem with this is the others don’t have the means or desire to participate in the online community. This is not a very realistic goal especially in a short amount of time.

It’s debated whether the Internet actually helps or depreciates relationships. In regards to face-to-face communication I would argue that time spent on internet relationships takes precious time away from face-to-face communication and hurts these relationships. But in regards to relationships in general I believe the internet actually helps people, especially shy people and social outcasts, create and have better relationships than they do in their “real” life or offline life.

For people around the world that don’t have access or just don’t participate in the online community they actually are robbed of this whole world that might in many ways help them in their lives. For shy people and social outcasts not having access to the Internet leaves them with no outlets for them to lead another life and create relationships which can help them feel accepted. The Internet now also has a lot of support groups for a wide variety of issues and problems. Someone that would like help and to stay anonymous this is a perfect way for them to do that. But someone without access has to try and find some other means of support or just try to deal with it themselves which is never very successful.

There are many different ways the Internet can help an individual. I feel that the many people around the world that would use the Internet but don’t have the means are being robbed of many different aides and conveniences the Internet provides. I truly hope that in the coming years we can continue to close the digital divide and provide Internet access to everyone across the world so they can join in in the many ways it can help improve their lives.