When referring to the digital divide, there are two areas open for discussion; the global divide and the social divide.
Some parts of the world simply have better access to the internet. This is referred to as the “absolute divide,” or the “global divide.” An example of this type of divide would be our internet access (the U.S.), in comparison to Haiti’s. Countries with a wide availability of internet access can use it to learn almost anything. The U.S., the U.K. and other technologically advanced countries are also able to better understand their county’s economics, as well as the economics of other countries. This gives more profitable countries an edge and leaves the poorer ones out.
Even within a nation that is technologically advanced, there are still certain geographic/ social areas that receive better internet access. This gap is called the “social divide.” It refers to the internet divide within a country. This divide also stresses inequality and poverty. Internet access relies on 5 things; social status, income, education level, race and geographic location. According to bridgethedigitaldivide.com, in Asia, only 4 people in every 1,000 have a computer. In the U.S., it’s 585 per 1,000.
Bridging the digital divide is essential. If we were able to worldly bridge the digital divide, economics would unfold more freely. The poorer countries would also become more educated, making world economics more equal, as well.
Closing the digital gap would also pave the way for more individual social mobility. If a child is less educated, it makes them less “useful” in the world. Educating and giving everyone internet access would help our world become more independently competitive, thus helping economics soar.
Linked with social mobility, bridging the digital divide would also lead to more social equality. In poorer nations where outward communication amongst others may be limited, depending on certain beliefs, internet access could able easier communication with others. In the U.S. there are few limitations of whom we may and may not speak to. In Kuwait, however, it’s different. Face-to-face communication between men and women is controlled, but internet access may open those communication doors.
The U.S. believes that democracy is the best policy, right? Well, if internet access was more widely and equally available, democracy would have a greater opportunity to spread worldwide. The internet is, for countries that have access to it, its democratic, economic and social advantage. Countries that struggle daily for basic necessities, such as clean drinking water, don’t have time to even think about technological equality; but we do! Top-of-the-line computers aren’t an option to individuals in poorer countries who, some, literally make $1/ day. In the U.S., we more than understand the blessings of big incomes and there are those who are doing their part in helping bridge this divide.
Computer Aid International is an organization that’s determined to help. Their plan is to help the world bridge its social and economic inequality. They work with non-for-profit agencies to provide unwanted or used computers to those in developing countries. This grants poorer countries access to the internet and allows the computer to be an outstanding learning tool. Computer Aid International is U.K. based, but there are many ways in which we can all help: computeraid.org.
