The Digital Divide

What is the Digital Divide?

• Phrase used to describe the divide between those who have access to updated technology, and those who have none to little access.
• Can include phones, TV, internet, computers, etc.

Age and the Digital Divide

Age

• Older individuals are less likely to use the internet compared to younger individuals (Especially ages 65+)
• 44% of people over the age 65 do not go online compared to 2% of those aged 18-29
• Internet usage by those 65+ has doubled from 2002 to 2010
• (pewinternet.org)

Disabilities and the Digital Divide

Disabilities

• Technology has the potential to increase independence of those with disabilities
• But, statistically, individuals with disabilities are less likely to own a computer than those who are non-disabled. It is even less likely that these individuals use the Internet at all
• (www.accessiblesociety.org)

Disabilities, cont.

• "Fifty-four percent of adults living with a disability use the internet, compared with 81% of adults who report none of the disabilities listed in the survey"
• For example, 41% of adults living with a disability have internet at home, compared with 69% of those without a disability.
• (pewinternet.org)

Education

• Families with college degrees and higher levels of education are more likely to use a computer and access the internet while at home
• Some teachers think computers are a necessity for broadening a students learning abilities.

Education, cont.

• "Those who have a higher education background are 10 times more likely to use a computer at work than those with only a high school degree."
• (http://cs.stanford.edu/people/eroberts/cs201/projects/digital-divide/start....)

Democracy

• There is a clear correlation between those who have high skills with computer and internet skills and their respective positions in politics.

location and the Digital Divide

Internet in Rural Areas

• it is a known fact that many people in the US are unable to reach internet service due to the fact that it is not available in certain areas
• education is limited in these areas because students do not have access to wifi at their homes

Statistics

• 7% of the country does not have internet access
• 40% of all people in the world have internet access

Social Mobility and the Digital Divide 

Economic Aspects of the Digital Divide

Economic Equality

• Some feel as if the internet is a necessity. Others do not feel it is necessary to ensure safety.
• The phone is viewed as a safety icon. People can use it to call others when they are in need. Medical needs can also be addressed through the use of a phone (i.e. Doctors appointments).

Economic Growth

• Many believe that the development of information infrastructure is a gateway to economic growth.
• The unfair representation of the newest technologies may be an advantage to other countries.

Economic Growth Continued

• Information Technologies help with economic growth.

Financial Issues

• There are salary differences that cause people to not have access to the internet. This also causes a gap.
• Those who do not have a college degree

Overcoming the Digital Divide

• Universal Access
• Community Centers
• Experienced Professionals
• Change in Attitude

Works Cited

• http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2013/11/08/whos-not-online-5-factors-t...
• http://www.internetworldstats.com/links10.htm
• https://www.oecd.org/sti/1888451.pdf
• http://cs.stanford.edu/people/eroberts/cs201/projects/digital-divide/start....
• http://www.accessiblesociety.org/topics/webaccess/digitaldivide.htm

Works Cited

• http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/digital-divide
• http://www.pewinternet.org/2011/01/21/americans-living-with-disability-and-...
• http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/press/press-releases/2013/june/education-age-a...