The concept of digital divide

The concept of  digital divide

 The interaction between computers and human has greatly increased as we embark on the twenty-first century. Digital divide is a term used to describe an economic inequality between groups, where some have access to informational and communication technologies. And while others don’t have access. But is also used to describe the knowledge gap between parents and their children. This gap is created by inadequate infrastructure and lack of basic knowledge about the digital world are two major obstacles.

People with access to internet that is they get information and communicate they take opportunities such as

• Shopping and bargaining
• Participate in online auctions
• Buy from overseas companies
• Buy goods at any time of the day they are not limited.

This helps business to increase their profit by setting up web sites selling their goods or services to anyone in the world. The ability to access computers and the internet has become increasingly important to completely immerse oneself in the economic, political and social aspects of the country. The success of one business has a knock-on effect to all the suppliers businesses. Successful businesses also have an effect on local wealth by supplying jobs.

The digital divide causes a significant problem in many struggling parts of the world. It’s only the western part of the world have a predominant amount of internet access.  The factors that attribute to the digital divide:

Education

Widening the level of education seems to magnify the digital divide. The households with high level education are increasingly more likely to use computers and the internet. It has been observed that those college degrees or higher higher learning institutions are likely to have access to internet to work as than those with higher school education. There is a gap between those with the most and the least education.

Income

The level of households’ income also pays a significant role in the widening gap. It has been observed that households earning a lot of income are likely to have home internet access than those at lowest income level. Due to lower income level poor neighbourhood lack the infrastructure available. Telecommunication facilities are more readily available for wealthier communities and are more attractive for developing companies to establish themselves as a result the poor people don’t have access to the internet.

Race

At the same time, the digital divide continues to widen along very specific racial lines. There is a difference between the black usage of computers and the white usage of computers. Race affects the amount of computers in the school. Schools with higher percent of minorities have fewer computers whereas those with lower percent of minorities have a greater number of computers. The gap between racial groups narrow at higher income levels, but widens among households at lower income level.

Universal access

As the use of computers and the internet increases, so does the necessity for access. In the public sector, policy makers and community members must recognize the importance of such resources and take measures to ensure access for all. While increased competition among pc manufacturers and internet services providers has substantially reduced the cost associated with owning a computer and maintaining a home connection,, for many households the cost remains prohibitive.

BY CHAMI FRIDA A

BAPRM 42690