Digital Divide

Definition

The digital divide refers to the gap between individuals, households, businesses, and geographic areas at different socioeconomic levels with regard to their opportunities to access information and communication technologies (ICTs) and to use the internet for a wide variety of activities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The digital divide can exist between countries, regions, socioeconomic groups, and even within households.
2. Factors contributing to the digital divide include income, education, age, gender, race, and geographic location.
3. The digital divide can limit access to essential services, educational and employment opportunities, and civic engagement.
4. Bridging the digital divide is crucial for achieving sustainable development and promoting social and economic inclusion.
5. Initiatives to address the digital divide may include improving infrastructure, providing affordable access, and enhancing digital literacy skills.

Review Questions

• Explain how the digital divide is related to the concept of 'Putting the Mass into Media' (Topic 15.1).
  • The digital divide is closely linked to the concept of 'Putting the Mass into Media' because unequal access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) can limit the ability of certain populations to participate in and consume mass media. The digital divide can create a situation where some individuals or communities are excluded from accessing and engaging with the vast array of media content and platforms, perpetuating a lack of representation and diversity in media production and consumption.
• Describe how the digital divide impacts 'Community, Development, and Broadcast Media' (Topic 15.6).
  • The digital divide can significantly affect community development and the role of broadcast media. Uneven access to ICTs and the internet can limit the ability of marginalized communities to utilize digital tools for communication, organization, and accessing information. This, in turn, can hinder their participation in community-level decision-making and development processes. Additionally, the digital divide can create disparities in the reach and impact of broadcast media, as certain communities may have limited or no access to these traditional media channels.
• Analyze how the digital divide relates to 'Digital Media, New Socialities' (Topic 15.8) and the emergence of new forms of social interaction and community building.
  • The digital divide is a critical factor in understanding the impact of digital media and the formation of new social connections and communities. Individuals and communities with limited access to ICTs and the internet may be excluded from participating in the digital public sphere, where much of contemporary social interaction and community building takes place. This can lead to the creation of digital echo chambers, where certain groups are unable to engage with diverse perspectives and experiences. Addressing the digital divide is essential for ensuring equitable access to the benefits and opportunities afforded by digital media and the new socialities that emerge within these spaces.

Related terms

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs): The diverse set of technological tools and resources used to transmit, store, create, share, or exchange information. This includes devices, networking components, applications, and systems that enable digital communication and information access.

Digital Inclusion: The effort to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and the ability to use ICTs and the internet effectively.

Digital Literacy: The ability to use digital technology, communication tools, and/or networks to locate, evaluate, use, and create information. It involves a range of skills, including the use of computers, mobile devices, and the internet.