The Digital Divide

The digital divide is a global issue. But what exactly is the “digital divide”? Well, it’s a term used to describe “the discrepancy between people who have access to and the resources to use new information and communication tools and people who do not have the resources and access to the technology”, for example, technologies such as the internet. It also describes the difference between people who have the skills and knowledge to use such technologies and people who do not. 


The gap between those who have access to technology and those deprived of access has widened considerably over recent years. There are many people in the world who are at a great disadvantage as they cannot or do not have access to new technologies such as the internet and the ranging opportunities they bring. You could say that these individuals are “socially excluded” and are on the wrong side of the “digital divide”. 


The diagram below shows the ratio of people online / offline in various countries across the world:

 

(Image source) 

Here are some facts and figures about the digital divide in the UK: 

* 1 in 4 adults in the UK have never used the internet 

* One third of the UK does not have access to the internet 

* 49% of the people in the UK who do not have access to the internet are in the lowest socio-economic groups 

* 70% of individuals living in social housing do not have access to the internet 

* 39% of the people who do not have access to the internet are above the age of 65 


For more facts and figures check out the following website where I found the above information: www.21stcenturychallenges.org

 Technologies such as the internet are very much a luxury, one I probably take for granted. I could not imagine a life without access to the internet, for me it is an essential. I use it every day for hours on end. Not only do I use the internet to socialise and communicate with others, but I use it to do my work. Some people’s careers revolve around the use of the internet, that’s how much of an impact the internet has on some people’s lives. Yet there are so many of us in Britain alone who do not have access to the internet. 

So why is it that some people do not have access to such technologies?

Well, there are a number of reasons. Income is one; some people simply cannot afford to have new technologies in their homes. Location is another in terms of internet access. Rural areas generally experience lower levels of connectivity and lag behind cities in terms of broadband connectivity.
But how important is it for people to have access to technologies such as the internet? Would it make much of a difference to their daily lives? The government seems to think so! A previous report from the government’s Policy Action Team stated some possible benefits for those currently deprived of access to the internet. These possible benefits include gaining knowledge and developing skills, pursuing hobbies and opportunities that may be available to them and having the ability to campaign and take part in the democratic process. 

So far, there has not been much success in narrowing the digital divide, and I doubt there will be any time soon!