The Digital Divide

The digital divide refers to inequity in digital access between different groups. The internet has spread information in the most significant way since the invention of the printing press. Today, the knowledge we have at our fingertips was only available to society’s elite in the past.
It can be caused by several factors, including:

Socioeconomic differences: People with lower incomes are less likely to have access to the internet.
Lack of knowledge: People may not know how to use devices or the internet.
Lack of infrastructure: Some areas may not have the necessary infrastructure to support internet access.

Commence Nkomo
Chief Data & Analytics Architect

Before the late 20th century, the digital divide referred mainly to the division between those with and without telephone access. After the late 1990s, the term began to be used mainly to describe the split between those with and without internet access. The digital divide typically exists between those in urban areas and those in rural areas; between the educated and the uneducated; between socioeconomic groups; and, globally, between the more and less industrially developing countries.

Pictures of digital divide

Types of digital divide

The following are the different types of digital divide. See which one(s) impact you and begin to think on how this problem may be resolved.

Access divide

The difference in access to information technologies, which is often determined by socioeconomic differences.

Global digital divide

The uneven development of the internet around the world, which can cause some countries to fall behind in technology, education, and other areas.

Usage gab

The lack of skills and competencies to use digital tools, which can be determined by age or educational level.

Linguistic digital divide

The dominance of English and its culture, which can restrict access to and use of knowledge.

Quality of use gab

The inability to make good use of technology, even though someone has access to it and the skills
to use it.

Gender divide

Women are less likely to own a phone or access the internet.

The Consequences and Implications of the Digital Divide

The impact of the digital divide touches many crucial aspects of our lives. Everything from health information to job postings is digitized these days. That provides efficiency for providers and employers, but it can also make it more difficult for some to access the information they need. Addressing this issue is necessary to ensure that everyone can participate in the digital economy. Failure to do so can create greater challenges for communities, resulting in a lack of progress.

The digital divide can lead to several consequences, including:

Social isolation
Difficulty accessing education
A barrier to accessing work
Technological discrimination
Lack of communication
Accentuated social differences
Gender discrimination

Digital equity is essential for everyone to have equal opportunities in the global economy. These examples of the digital divide touch many aspects of our everyday lives and our abilities to achieve success. The ultimate goal is digital inclusion.Equal access to technology, connectivity and digital literacy also helps create gender, income and racial equity.

Stay Digi-Data connected!