...Digital Divide Vincent Koke INF Computer Literacy Ashford University Meredith Kiljan May 6, 2013 It didn’t take long after the technological boom that accompanied the internet era for us to realize that we now had to face the problems that would come from the Digital Divide. Almost immediately we began to see a separation of large proportions regarding age, race and lower income households. Whenever there is a divide created in society if it is not addressed quickly it can grow roots and have severe long term affects. This is a problem that if left alone could do catastrophic damage to the economic and social stability of the United States and the world. When the technical explosion erupted decades ago, Hispanics and African Americans as well as other minority’s where much less likely to use one of these incredible machines. As time went by another problem presented itself. As this innovation grew it became obvious that these groups had less access to the Web. This coupled with slower online connections and antiquated equipment put them on the wrong side of the digital divide. This technology is becoming almost a necessity in this day and age. It is clear that having quality internet access can be beneficial in many ways. It gives the user an avenue to educational opportunities, employment, and public health availability. It is extremely critical that we are able to provide lower income households the ability to acquire a quality...
Words: 1968 - Pages: 8
...The digital divide is an economic inequality between specific groups of people in terms of access, usage of, and ability to utilize computers and technologies. Even so, the notion of the digital divide is changing over time. When the term “digital divide” first came to, it was centered on the availability and ability to operate technology. Now because of the falling prices of technology, a bigger majority is able to gain access to some form of technology, specifically a computer. Now, the “digital divide” has a new connotation. The phrase has grown to include technological literacy and the total cost of running a computer, meaning the technical and economic ability to make full use of the technology available. This involves the access or lack or access to the Internet. The digital divide is not only an issue in lesser-developed countries, but prosperous countries have the same problem as well. These countries, even the wealthy ones, have various communities facing barriers to access a computer or the Internet, whether for economic, demographic, linguistic, or even generational reasons. By comparing the digital divide within and between different countries, ranging from the economically developed and developing, solutions can be made. The United States is one of the most developed countries and a forerunner in technological advancements for the past century. The digital divide in the US has gotten smaller over the years, but even with the low cost and easy access to technology...
Words: 1329 - Pages: 6
...debilitating impacts of the digital divide problem – not only in Third-World countries, but also in the world at large – it is, however, still an inexhaustible topic. In the course of my research, I identified a couple articles which expounded on the aforementioned problem and how, in some cases, its presence could be indicative of acute negligence on the path of the leadership of some developing societies. The subsequent paragraphs, therefore, delve deep into the distinct, interesting perspectives from the articles gathered from my research. The first article covers Google’s attempt to bridge the digital divide, particularly in the United States. They also intend to work their way up to the other countries, such as Uganda, where the digital divide problem is supremely exacerbated by misappropriation of national resources and other social issues too. According to Brick, author of ‘Is Google Making the Digital Divide Worse?’, “… [Google] plans to spend $1.5 million this year to support computer science education around the world.” Therefore, it stands to reason that Google is heavily invested in tackling the digital divide problems. As a matter of fact, they envision a future in which “internet access will be a basic human right” (Brick). Thus, the end goal is to provide free WI-FI to developing societies, in Africa, plagued with the digital divide issue. This noble yet arduous undertaking has stirred controversies from citizens of the United States. As stated in the article, “15...
Words: 1023 - Pages: 5
...INTRODUCTION: Digital divide is a term used to describe the inequality between technology haves and have nots. Sometimes, this can refer to the gaps between first world and third world countries, other times it's used to refer to differences among various population groups within an industrialized country (such as the United States). The technology being measured has been a moving target. Early news articles talked about general computer penetration among households. Then, as the Internet became more predominant, Internet access by individuals became the measure. Now, with free Internet access available through most public libraries, experts discuss the quality of access and usage. Even the term "digital divide" is controversial. "Digital" focuses attention on technology over other factors. "Divide" implies a distinct split. My opening sentence referred to haves and have nots, but can everyone really be separated into one group or the other, or is the difference more graduated?. BODY: Do you think that the digital divide is a major problem inside the United States: Why or why not? YES Digital Divide in the U.S. The Digital Divide is the gap between those who have the skills, access and resources for technology and those who do not. This divide is based on factors such as race and class. In order to have access to the Internet one must have the resource to own a computer and pay for Internet connection. Though comparatively inexpensive in the United States, the cost is still...
Words: 1549 - Pages: 7
...The Digital Divide Carrie Lamberson INF 103 Computer Literacy Jaclyn Minor November 9 2015 We live in an age of technology being a part of our everyday lives, with the majority of the population owning smartphones, computers, and tablets. Using broadband connections giving us the fastest speeds as we explore the information highway and staying connected to the world around us. “In 2004 there was an estimated 75% of Americans with computers and internet access in their homes, these numbers continue to rise with each year. While this is a high number, and growing daily (especially among multiple-computer households) there are still a significant number of people without computers or Internet access, and they are getting left behind in school and in the workplace.”(Bowles 2013) This is what has become known as the digital divide and an area that needs to be address so that we are all can be equal in a technical world. “Digital divide is a term that refers to the gap between demographics and regions that have access to modern information and communication technology (ITC), and those that don't or have restricted access.” (Rouse 2014) ”Computers and the Internet represent a wealth of knowledge for those who have access to them. As another old saying goes, "Knowledge ispower." Therefore, it stands to reason that there are ethical issues at stake when using computers to transmit knowledge. It is vital to make surethat the world is not divided into a two-class ...
Words: 2448 - Pages: 10
...that are not connected, not to mention the world community as a whole. According to a report by McKinsey & Co. (2014), there are 4.4 billion people that are offline worldwide and 3.4 of those individuals offline live in just 20 countries. These billions of people that cannot access the Internet as easily as those more fortunate suffer from achieving a greater economic standing, education, social mobility, or other benefits that help improve overall life. This is not just a problem for those that aren’t as privileged, but for everyone whether they are connected or not. The input, opinions, and contributions from those who are not connected cannot be made to help better the world community until they are connected. It is crucial the digital divide that separates the fortunate and unfortunate is bridged for it is consistently widening. This research paper defines and...
Words: 1832 - Pages: 8
...Digital divide The digital divide is a term which is used to describe the difference between those who have the access to the information technology this involves mobile phones, internet, computers and television and those who do not have access to these services. The expression can also represent those who have the skills and expertise to use different types of technology. The digital divide can exist between those who are living in rural areas and those who are living in urban areas. Factors that can contribute to the digital divide are economic factor, geographical factor, and fear of technology. One of the factors that contribute to the digital divide is fear of technology as many people do not use technology due to them having less confident about their ability to use computer skills. Due to the lack of confidence in which some people may show this will create digital divide between technology and themselves this means that they will find it harder to access the internet. As well as being able to find jobs. Another aspect that will result in a fear of technology is due to people fearing that others around them will laugh at them which mean that a person will have a low self esteem when trying to use technology. Furthermore factor that it’s the main issue that why people fear technology is due to people being scared of hackers and computer fraud. Overall a fear in technology will result in digital divide due to people not using technology which will mean that they will...
Words: 2268 - Pages: 10
...INF 101 Digital Divide: A Global and U.S. Problem September 9, 2012 Digital Divide: A Global and U.S. Problem It is hard to imagine a home without a cell phone, computer or internet access. Yet, this happens; not just in developing countries, but here in the United States. This is often referred to as the digital divide. When a country’s citizens do not have access to or utilize digital technologies, it will negatively impact their education and economic stability. Digital divide being defined as the gap between those who can use information technology effectively and those who cannot is just one of a range of discrepancies, national and international, urban and rural, rich and poor, which afflicts low income country’s (Brooks, S., et al, 2005, Pg. 270). The digital divide impacts more than just one’s ability to shop online. Not having access to the latest technologies greatly impacts a countries survival. By increasing access to important and educational information through electronic resources a country can impact its economic future and growth. If citizens are afforded access to improved educational resources, they will benefit by developing a well-educated workforce (Brooks, S., et al, 2005, Pg. 270). Achieving this access to technology and supporting education will need to be made available to all. Before we look at this issue in the United States, let’s take a look at the issue from a more global perspective. There have been numerous studies focused...
Words: 1776 - Pages: 8
...The digital divide Jamie R. Harris INF103: Computer Literacy Author Note Instructor: Mathias Fok October 12, 2014 The "digital divide" refers to the fact that certain parts of the population have substantially better opportunities to benefit from the new economy than other parts of the population. Internet and computer use has undoubtedly increased in the United States and the digital divide may be smaller within certain population (Neilson 2006). The digital divide separates those who are information rich on one side from those who are poor, who live in an underdeveloped country, or who reside in a rural area with no Internet access. In 1990, 22% of all homes in the United States had a personal computer. This percentage increased to 63% by 2001, and in 2004, nearly 75% of all Americans had Internet access in their homes. While this is a high number, and growing daily (especially among multiple-computer households) there are still a significant number of people without computers or Internet access, and they are getting left behind in school and in the workplace (Bowles, M.D. 2013). Although the majority of Americans now have access to broadband, too many minorities, non-English speaking populations, and members of low income and rural communities remain disconnected. Addressing this digital divide goes beyond providing access to those without it. America must do more to ensure that those who are disconnected understand the need and value that broadband can bring to...
Words: 942 - Pages: 4
...1 The Evolution of Federalism and How it has Shaped American Behavior as well as how State and Federal Relationships Influence our Policies Steven M Professor Tracy POL110040VA016-1154-01 (US Government) May 9th, 2015 FEDERALISM, THE FIRST 215 YEARS 2 Abstract This paper will examine the evolution of Federalism from its’ beginnings to what we see in place today. Before we get to far though, let’s define Federalism. Longley (n.d.) stipulates that “Federalism is the process by which two or more governments share powers over the same geographic area.” For us in the states, this would be representative of the powers held by the Federal and State governments. We will also examine factors of Federalism that have shaped American behavior as well as covering how the relationships between the Federal Government and the states influences the foundation of American policies. FEDERALISM, THE FIRST 215 YEARS 3 The Evolution of Federalism and how it has Shaped American Behavior as well as how State and Federal Relationships Influence our Policies Have you ever wondered what would have become of this country had our founding fathers not convened...
Words: 1683 - Pages: 7
...Are Electronic Medical Records a Cure for Health Care? 1. Do to the current method of medical record keeping is one reason why health care costs in the United States are so high. The majority of medical record keeping here in the United States is paper it makes it difficult to access and share. 2. The factors responsible for the building of electronic medical record systems are like organization, doctors, insurance companies, patients, and the lacking of technology. Doctors difficulties is that they have limited time and to take 20 hours of training to use the EMR. The United States government also plays a big role by having a short term goal that by 2015 that all medical facilities will be utilizing EMR. And patients have a concern of confidential information that will be stored in this system that can be read all across the United States. 3. The business, political, and social impact of not digitizing medical records are that doctors will not be able to have instant access to a patient’s medical records. And without digitizing medical records means that there will be the need for more paper work. Politically the 2015 goal set by the US government would also be impacted. Socially people would expect little error to this EMR system like correct dosages. And by not digitizing medical records has a greater risk of errors. 4. The business and social benefits of digitizing medical recordkeeping are when taken from paper and filing them to the EMR patient’s...
Words: 1289 - Pages: 6
...for development' community. The Forum was co-organised by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). It was intended to help organisations coordinate multi-stakeholder activities, information exchange, the creation of knowledge, and the sharing of best practices. Globethics.net organised a workshop on the 29th of May, on "The Ethics of Digital Innovation", during which fundamental questions surrounding the many social, legal and economic repercussions of new digital technologies, and what power relations are at play were raised and addressed. With Prof. Dr Christoph Stückelberger as moderator, four panellists gave their views on some of the ethical issues that they have come across in their own fields, and where they saw the need for a great ethical understanding and awareness. Prof. Patrick-Yves Badillo, Director of Medi@LAB-Genève, with his presentation entitled "New digital divide, or squaring the circle?" intended to delve deeper into the preconceived notions that we might have surrounding the global ‘digital divide'. Digital technologies were seen as the key solution in the 1990s, and as a key factor for growth, competiveness and greater employment. Closing the digital divide, defined as the gap between those who have and those who do not have access to computers and to the internet...
Words: 903 - Pages: 4
...INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY JOURNAL ASSIGNMENT THE DIGITAL DIVIDE The digital divide, simply put, is the gap between those people and communities with access to information technology and those without it. Yet, the fact is there are many divides, characterized by community, ethnic, economic, and age groups. These differences provide the basis for much research into internet use, and for the identification by some of the digital divide as an increasingly important feature of the growing economic and political gaps within and across 'developed' and 'developing' countries. The internet can be used as a tool for social, political and economic participation. Its facilitation of one-to-many and many-to-many communication and open publishing means that those affected by the divide may suffer disadvantages relating to education, employment and awareness of contemporary issues. The digital divide is now seen as a pressing international and consequently, much research and media attention have been directed at understanding who is affected and why. It is generally accepted that the digital divide is more than just an issue of access, and information technology training and literacy is needed to assist those affected by the digital divide, who can then create content relevant to their needs. Internet and computer use has undoubtedly increased in the United States and the digital divide may be smaller within certain populations. However, it remains a fact that poorer people may not be able...
Words: 780 - Pages: 4
...video sharing, data sharing, blogs, social networks, podcasts and internet calling to name a few. These technological advancements directly impact our civilizations, changing our cultural trends and reshaping our social perceptions. The media influences the society by presenting persuasive messages to the people, changing people’s thoughts about their appearance, values and behaviors. There is a measurable digital divide between the haves and the have nots in society on both a domestic and global level. The digital divide is a social issue referring to differing amounts of information available to populations. It became a popular term in the 1990’s among scholars, policy makers and advocacy groups. The digital divide includes more than just media concerns. This is because technology is everywhere around us. These areas include, literacy, economic groups, rural growth, disabilities, restrictions on freedom, and the access to basic telephone service. When these factors are working in combination they work together to erode the flow of growth towards bridging the digital divide. There are some places in the world where technology has not yet developed enough to successfully navigate the world of modern communication techniques. In some places...
Words: 1526 - Pages: 7
...The Digital Divide INF 103 Computer Literacy Sean O’Leary, DM, MBA 4/21/14 The digital divide is a phrase used to address the gap between those who have ready access to the information and communication technologies, the knowledge that they provide access to, and those who do not. In the global digital information age those who are either unable to access the internet are increased disadvantage in their access to information. In most western nations government policies are being established which attempt to ensure that all citizens have the opportunity to access and effectively use the internet, in order to enable them to participate fully in the educational, social and economic activities. While it can be argued that several factors contribute to the digital divide, economics appears to be the biggest contributing factors for access to the Digital Opportunity Index. The Introduction to Digital Literacy, explains the digital divide as related to threat that results from groups of underprivileged people not having access to computers and the internet. According to Bowles, 2013, the fact that some people have easy access to the benefits computers provide; while many others are cut off from them, is considered an ethical issue. The information rich are on one side, and those who are poor, living in underdeveloped countries, or who live in a rural area with no internet access on the other side. The number of homes in the United States with personal...
Words: 2646 - Pages: 11