The Digital Divide

1. The Digital Divide Life in The Information Age

2. Objectives • To review the factors that cause and influence the digital divide and discuss its impact • To quantify the extent of the digital divide and discuss measures being taken to narrow the gap • To discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the digital divide

3. Introduction • It is easy to forget that we don’t all have access to ICT resources • The digital divide refers to the gap between the people who have access to a computer (or a computer connected to the internet) and those who do not. • It can refer to individuals, social groups, and communities worldwide.

5. 5 Factors which contribute to the digital divide:

6. The Economic Factor • The main reason individuals and communities don’t have access to a computer or an up-to-date Internet service are economic • i.e. A lack of money • Many developing countries struggle to provide adequate telephone lines • PC hardware and software is simply too expensive for many people in the developing world

7. The Economic Factor

8. The Social Factor • Originally, the digital divide was attributed to Internet Access • Now, most people have access to the Internet thanks to libraries, and Internet cafes etc. • We now think about the digital divide as those who do, and those who don’t have the skills to use the internet appropriately

9. The Social Factor • Many of today’s jobs require ICT skills and qualifications • People without an education in ICT are at a disadvantage and are unable to get work • This is another example of a digital divide

10. The Geographical Factor • Availability of the Internet throughout the world shows large differences between world regions: http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats.htm • This can be a result of • Lack of internet access/infrastructure • Language • Culture

11. Internet Usage Statistics

12. The Fear of Technology Factor • Many people do not use technology because they: • Are not confident in their own ability to use computer skills • Fear that others will laugh at their attempts, therefore it is easier not to try • Think they will cause a computer problem as they experiment and therefore prefer not to try • Have heard or read news reports about computer fraud, Internet scams and identity theft

13. The Lack of Motivation Factor • Many people are not prepared to put in the time and effort to learn something new • Some people link ICT with useless activities such as computer game playing, eyes damage, and other more sinister themes • Modern Operating Systems (Windows, MacOS) are much easier to use than they were 15 years ago, however they still require a certain amount of effort to grasp.

14. The Cultural Factor • Attitudes: Some groups of people feel that ICT is for particular groups of people: • The young • The brainy • Middle class • Cultural attitudes: Some communities place greater importance on: • Oral culture • Personal communication • Kinship • Strong family values

15. The extent of the Digital Divide • The digital divide is a world wide issue, and is not just related to the gap between people with and without access internet. • Other contributing factors include: • Lower-spec PCs • Low quality internet connections • Higher-priced Internet connections • Difficulty with obtaining technical assistance • Being a member of a community speaking a minority language • Lower access to subscriber content

16. Is the divide widening or narrowing? • http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/nov/04/government-digital-divide • In Britain, efforts are being made to bridge the gap – but are they successful? • On a global level?

17. Benefits and drawbacks • Pros • Increased opportunities for personal, educational and employment advancement • Cons • Expensive • Technology is outdated very quickly • Government cut backs due to recession

18. Brainstorm • Write down any 3 factors which influence the digital divide with examples. • How can the gap be bridged?