Digital+Divide.wikispaces.com

toc The digital divide is the imbalance regarding access to technology that exists across different demographic groupings. There’s a gap between people who have access to information and communication technology and those who do not.

The world can be divided into those who have access to the internet and those who don't. Although the internet has dominated the discussion on the digital divide, it also includes people's capabilities to access other modern information technology. Some examples include the telephone and television. The digital divide is mainly evident between cities and rural areas- countries which are developed and developing. Also evident is the divide between the educated and uneducated as well as between economic classes. There is an increase and urge to go online because of the benefits of a network society, but at the same time it is leaving those who are unconnected behind.

=Three Aspects of the Digital Divide=

Three Aspects of the Digital Divide include...
 * 1) Global Divide: Divide between industrialized and developing societies in terms of Internet and technological access. Can be seen as an issue which concerns the whole world due to trade agreements, investment flows and globalization of production which has interconnected individuals from all over the world. Many see the introduction of technological access to developing countries as a way of eradicating poverty in developing countries and thus contributing to the closing of the global gap, while others see technology as increasing the disparities that already exist and further widening the gap between nations.
 * 2) Social Divide: Divide between those who have access to information and those who don't within a given society. Found in nations that are considered to be at the forefront of technological advancements (Australia, Canada and US). Focuses mainly on individuals within a specific society and how their internet access differs due to circumstances such as income, race, age, disabilities, education.... Many cyber optimists see the digital divide breaking down due to the combination of technological forces and the market eventually leading to everyone having the Internet (similar to the development and growth of the television) while others (cyber-pessimists) believe that the Internet will only bring more inequalities to society, thus widening the gap.
 * 3) Democratic Divide: Divide between those who do and those who dont use Internet resources to engage in political issues. Focuses on regions such as Canada, US and Western European Countries that use digital technologies including the internet for political purposes. Many see the Internet as a useful tool in facilitating democracy and encouraging invidividual to participate in everyday life, while others see the tool as further widening the gap between the information rich and information poor.

=Factors of the Digital Divide=

The digital divide can be considered in many ways. The disparity between the information-rich and information-poor is largely due to several barriers of access, which include but are not limited to: //
 * availability of technology
 * socio-economic status
 * physical region
 * gender
 * age:

Roughly 90% of users of the internet are teenagers. The question is why there is such a gap between the ages of users of the internet. The answers may lie in such issues as, the lack of knowledge of the device, accessibility of the device, no interest, and so fourth. Although all these addressed issues may be factors which contribute to low internet usage of the aging population, we must also draw light on the factors which would potentially entice aging users. Independence of elderly is key, however as one gets older simple tasks may become difficult. Introducing such technologies to the elderly with a reassurance of independence by entice them to participate. Having services in place such as e-groceries, e-health, e-shopping, and so forth allow for the aging population to maintain their independence by being self sufficient. From the comfort of ones home one may make simple commands at the simply touch of a button. Groceries may be order, and delivered right to ones door step, one may receive medical advice directly from their pc without ever having to leave their home.// //We have come to learn that technology has radically evolved over time to improve our lives. Technology needs to be understood, and implemented so that there is not a gap between the users and the non-users. It is essential that the elderly reap the benefits of online services so that they are able to fully function as participants in our technology society.// [|The Elderly and the Internet]

Although the problem of the Digital Divide is related in part to the availability of technology, it is also important to note that solving this problem is cannot be solved simply by giving technology. Education must also be provided.
 * language (cf. Digital Divide and Language)
 * education

CAUSES
The most obvious cause of the digital divide of the internet is the over all technology delay in Eastern Europe and the poor state of its telecommunications infrastructure. Although, Eastern European urban areas have access to telephones, rural areas are left with no telephone lines. According to statistics of the Center for Democracy and Technology, in 1995 the number of main telephone lines per 100 people in a city in Russia was 20, while the number of telephone lines in a rural area in Russia was only 8. Albania was in the worst situation with only 3 telephone lines per 100 residents in cities and a mere 0.2 in rural areas. Certain parts of these countries are still struggling to access a telephone, therefore it is hard to predict when they will actually be on their way to accessing the internet.

Even though these statistics have since gone up that does not guarantee a smaller digital divide. Internet technology develops too rapidly for a part of the World that is already so behind. Therefore, the digital divide of the internet is actually increasing with time. Although, more people in European cities are accessing the internet, the modern internet is targeted at North American users. It is not enough anymore to just have access to the internet. It is now vital to possess the fastest possible connection as there is increasingly more information to pick up. Websites use flash, videos, music, pictures, interactivity which are only accessible with a high-speed connection. The Public Broadcasting Service in the U.S states, “Broadband access has become increasingly essential… What electric power and telephones were to the 20th Century, broadband access will be to the 21st.” This quote, directed at residents of the United States proves further the digital gap between North America and Eastern Europe, which is a century behind in technology.

An equally serious problem accounting for the digital divide is the wide practice of per-minute charging for the internet in Eastern European countries. The result of this is that even urban residents can not afford the internet. In 1998 and 1999 Polish, Romanian, Hungurian and Czech residents organized protests oposing per-minute internet billing and against increases in charges for the internet. The residents argued that since people of countries with wealthier economies had access to cheaper internet, then they had an even bigger right to it. Due to the internet being expensive compared to the low incomes of the Eastern European resident, internet usage continues to be low. In Russia about 40 residents per 10,000 use the internet. Moldova, where only 0.47 residensts per 10,000 use the internet, is at the highest disadvantage.

Due to the European Union, telecommunications in Eastern Europe are slowly undergoing major changes. However, some governments still posses regulations that make it hard for the development of the internet. Even the EU, which requires universal service of the internet for Eastern European countries trying to enter the Union, may cause internet prices for residents to actually rise because of their pricing reforms and policies focused on privatization. The boom of internet development and rapid changes in technology call for fast action against the digital divide which keeps growing. Governments and organization of Eastern Europe need to find more effective ways for dealing with the digital divide of the internet.

//Free Press: Broadband as a Public Service//, [|www.freepress.net/communityinternet/] and //Public Broadcasting Service Now: Debating High-Speed Internet Access//, [|www.pbs.org/now/politics/digidividedebate.html]

=Digital Divide and Gender=

In the 21st century, more than half the world’s population remains disenfranchised from benefits that developed nations take for granted – including the learning and training available through information and communications technologies (ICTs). Problems run deeper than a simple lack of access: using a community centre’s computer to view a government information web page on HIV/AIDS is useless if you can barely read. In developing countries, women face many cultural barriers to their use of ICTs that are often more accessible to men.

These disenfranchised women live and work in poverty and poor health conditions, and with minimal basic education and skills. More than ever, the international community and individual national governments are realising the full human cost of this disparity through its negative impact on the economic and social bottom line.

Gender Divide In On Line Games
Gender divide does exist in the East Asian society as well as in other societies and also exist in the virtual world. However, this Gender divide between males and females need to be eliminated or at least reduced. In other words, gender divide tries to reduce the gap that exists in society between males and females. It is seen that the East Asian environment is an obstacle to narrowing this divide. It is seen that this divide can be narrowed down. This can be done by providing more attention to characters that both genders can play or come up with games that can actually bring in more interaction between the genders and even the different ages. Nevertheless, the East Asian society is not giving enough attention to this problem. The Internet is not just for males; females deserve an equal share in this technology. The East Asian society has to change its societal views and academic observation as well as finding opportunities to develop online activities that attract the female population.

=Solutions: Bridging the Digital Divide=

They types of people who aren't on the internet are known as “non-users” and can be divided into three groups: (click here for more info)
 * Near users: barriers=cost/affordability + technical skills development + social understanding
 * Distant users: no interest or perceive no value in internet for meeting their economic/social/cultural needs
 * Far removed from online activities: lack resources, interests, skills to benefit from access

Ways of tackling these issues are: For near users, social programs and education systems should be provided in communities that allows everyone access to the internet. Resources and training sessions would help people learn how to use different programs and how to generally use a computer.

For distant users, a great way at getting them interested in using different programs is by allowing them to see what a computer can do and how it can make their lives easier. The distant user probably has no interest in learning new technologies. Because of this, an external party has to take more initiative in showing the distant user how the technology works to the best of the distant user’s needs.

As for users that are far removed from online activities, it may be hard at that time to provide everyone with a connection to the internet. Like the near users, the best way to tackle this is by providing computers with internet at a central location such as at a library or community centre for everyone to use.

What is needed? Better Access
Providing access to technology is critical, but it must be about more than just physical access. Computers and connections are insufficient if the technology is not used effectively because it is not affordable; people do not understand how to put it to use; people are discouraged from using it; or the local economy cannot sustain its use. ICT projects will only be widely successful in developing countries when all of the other components necessary for the effective integration of ICT into society are in place. [|Bridges.org] calls this Real Access to ICT, and its work looks at twelve interrelated factors that determine whether ICT can be effectively used by people:
 * Physical access: Is technology available and accessible to people and organizations?
 * Appropriate technology: Is the available technology appropriate to local needs and conditions? What is the appropriate technology according to how people need and want to put technology to use?
 * Affordability: Is technology affordable for people to use?
 * Capacity: Do people have the training and skills necessary for effective technology use? Do they understand how to use technology and its potential uses?
 * Relevant content: Is locally relevant content available, especially in terms of language?
 * Integration: Is technology use a burden to peoples' lives, or is it integrated into daily routines?
 * Socio-cultural factors: Are people limited in their use of technology based on gender, race, or other socio-cultural factors?
 * Trust: Do people have confidence in technology and understand the implications of the technology they use, for instance in terms of privacy, security, or cybercrime?
 * Legal and regulatory framework: Do laws and regulations limit technology use? Are changes needed to create an environment that fosters its use?
 * Local economic environment: Is there a local economic environment favorable to technology use? Is technology part of local economic development? What is needed to make it a part?
 * Macro-economic environment: Is technology use limited by the macro-economic environment in the country or region, for example, in terms of deregulation, investment, and labor issues?
 * Political will: Is there political will in government to do what is needed to enable the integration of technology throughout society, and public support for government decision-making?

Overall, a pooling of resources and experiences is needed. Dealing with the digital divide is beyond the scope of any single initiative. While it is important for organizations doing community ICT projects to meet the needs of their clients as comprehensively as possible, the issues at stake in international and domestic digital divides are huge, and organizations should cooperate to tackle problems collaboratively.

=**Digital Divide: Those who are affected**=

Digital divide is the visible growing gap between those who currently have access to information communication technologies and those who possess the skills to use ICTs and then those on the other hand who for several reasons don't have access to ICTs or have very limited access. There was a major concern that ICT would continue to widen this gap and inequalities will continue to exist or even increase in the near future.

The lack of access to technology is the most prominent barrier to the widespread development of digital literacy. This lack of access is leaving out the third world countries and making them technology deprived.

People in third world countries suffer the greatest loss of digital contributions. Programs need to be initiated in order for less affluent countries such as say Indonesia, and Bangladesh in order for citizens to have further access to computers and Internet services. This can be accomplished by International Communications Project carried out by multi-millin dollar communications corporations who should collect funds and second hand computers and distribute these resources through out the third world.

=**Crossing the Digital Divide: Realistic or Impossible?**=

While efforts can be taken by post-industrial nations to aid those in third world countries in gaining access to technology, the idea that every individual on the globe should have access to the Internet is very grandoise. No matter how much access is provided to non-users, those who are located in countries that haven't yet reached industrialization will always be suffering the digital divide. With ever increasingly efficient production and better technology, third world nations will soon have access to cheap computers with which they can begin to access and learn about the internet. But at the same time, modern nations will be using hardware vastly superior with software that people in third world nations could never afford.

Additionally, when one is talking about 'crossing' the digital divide and providing access to those without Internet, they must keep in mind that [|90%] of the world does **not** have internet access. In order to provide access to everyone the amount of money that would have to be spent is an unimaginably gargantuan sum (many trillions of dollars when considering hardware costs, logistics of networking, training courses, incentive programs to bring people to the internet, etc.). This money would be coming mostly from modern countries that already have a high amount of internet access. But what gain is there in spending budget on non-citizens in some country that may be across the world? Setting a large portion of a budget towards such a cause would be political suicide.

After discusing different classifications within the digital divide, and different outcomes it has within society, everyone has their own opinion as to how significant the digital divide is and what causes it. It comes down to the category of income. Income is a significant factor and ultimately what drives our modern day society. This is important as income is what drives education and education is one of the largest components in what divides the information rich from the information poor.
 * WHAT CAUSES THE DIGITAL DIVIDE?**

Related
Democratic divide Digital Divide and Language India and the Digital Divide

=External Links=


 * [|The Digital Divide Network]
 * [|Initiatives of the fund: Bridging the digital divide]
 * [|Bridging the Digital Gender Divide: Issues and Insights on ICT for Women's Economic][|]
 * [|UNIFEM—Shrinking Digital Divide for Women][|]
 * [|http://hsc.csu.edu.au/pta/gtansw/publications/itupdate/Digital%20Divide.htm]
 * [|http://www.slais.ubc.ca/courses/libr500/04-05-wt2/www/M_Gonzalez/global.htm%5B%5Bhttp://www.digitaldividenetwork.org/]|]]