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.
This is a good start, however, where is the research you should be doing? Try incorporating more of your own research and synthesizing that with the readings.
ReplyDeleteWhen I had read this blog, the first question that arose in my mind was, "What are some examples of the internet aiding an individual?" I also feel that the internet can be used with malicious intent, such as child pornography or things of that nature. So how would the new users of the internet feel about these kind of materials? What would be some of the arguments that could be used in order to help sway newcomers to use the internet, instead of viewing it as a tool of evil? These are just some of the ideas that I think could be covered a little more thoroughly, but I agree with vision for a future filled with the internet. I also feel that this blog was rather concise and provided good background knowledge, and a sense of feel for where we as people are today in internet savvy.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on most of your post. The digital divide is a problem, and we should try and solve the gap. However, in all reality, it is probably not possible to solve this gap. Although the digital divide does mean having physical access to the internet and technology, it also means being able to use, understand, and benefit from the internet, etc. (which you briefly mention). How would you solve this? There are so many social problems with giving some countries the physical access...With just the physical access, they still do not know how to work a computer, read the words (because they are probably still in English), they probably have dial up connection, and other things like this. Giving physical access to these types of countries will probably not have a benefit on their interpersonal relationships since they do not know how to use it. Is there anything you would propose as to how we would solve this type of digital divide or "social inclusion"?
ReplyDeleteDo you think the digital divide is being right now? In what ways are society closing the gap? I feel that the gap will take a lot longer than people think to close. The fact that people do not care to get on the internetis a factor to cosider when trying to close this gap. there are going to be better solution to closing this gap, but i don't feel we have found the right solution yet. It is going to be a trial and error thing for years to come.
ReplyDeleteThe social network issue is a little flakey to me. I don't think we need social networks to find friends or get over shyness. The only way to get over being shy is face to face interaction. How did we survive and make friends just 10-15 years ago? We didn't have these online connections. We didn't talk or post pictures and comments to eachother. I think we are to dependent on the internet and need to disconnect ourselves from the virtual world every now and then. We were fine just a few years ago without all this stuff. I think we would be better communicator without all the social networks online.