Digital divide

Definition

The digital divide refers to the gap between individuals who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who do not. This disparity can be influenced by various factors, including socio-economic status, geographic location, education level, and age. As 360-degree video, virtual reality, and augmented reality technologies emerge in social media journalism, the digital divide becomes increasingly significant, as those without access may miss out on immersive storytelling experiences that these technologies can offer.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The digital divide can result in unequal access to educational resources, impacting learning opportunities for those without internet access or modern devices.
2. In social media journalism, those on the wrong side of the digital divide may not be able to engage with innovative content formats like 360-degree videos or VR experiences.
3. Geographic factors play a crucial role in the digital divide; rural areas often have less access to high-speed internet compared to urban regions.
4. Efforts to bridge the digital divide include community programs aimed at increasing internet accessibility and digital literacy training for underserved populations.
5. As AR technology becomes more prevalent in news reporting, the digital divide risks creating a gap in public engagement and understanding of critical issues.

Review Questions

• How does the digital divide impact individuals' ability to engage with immersive storytelling techniques used in social media journalism?
  • The digital divide significantly impacts individuals' ability to access and engage with immersive storytelling techniques like 360-degree video and virtual reality. Those without reliable internet connections or modern devices may miss out on these innovative forms of journalism, limiting their exposure to diverse perspectives and critical information. As these technologies become more integrated into news reporting, the gap between those who can experience them and those who cannot will widen, potentially leading to unequal access to vital narratives.
• Discuss the ways in which geographic location contributes to the digital divide within social media journalism.
  • Geographic location plays a key role in the digital divide, particularly as urban areas generally have better access to high-speed internet than rural regions. In social media journalism, this disparity means that audiences in remote areas might not experience the same quality of content as those in cities. Consequently, journalists might struggle to reach or engage audiences who are unable to access innovative formats such as virtual reality or augmented reality due to inadequate infrastructure.
• Evaluate the implications of the digital divide for future developments in social media journalism and its audience engagement strategies.
  • The digital divide poses significant implications for future developments in social media journalism, particularly regarding audience engagement strategies. As emerging technologies like AR and VR become standard storytelling tools, journalists must consider how they can include audiences that lack access to these innovations. Ignoring the divide could lead to a fragmented audience where only a portion can benefit from advanced content, ultimately affecting how stories are perceived and understood. Addressing these disparities will be crucial for ensuring equitable access to information and fostering informed public discourse.

Related terms

accessibility:

The degree to which technology is available and usable by individuals, particularly those with disabilities or other barriers.

digital literacy: The ability to effectively use digital tools and platforms to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information.

technology adoption: The process by which individuals and organizations begin to use new technologies and integrate them into their daily lives or operations.