Factors Creating Digital Divide

SocietyThe term society is derived from the Latin word 'socius' meaning friendship or companionship. Society is a community, nation or group of people who share the same traditions, institutions, rules and... More has always been divided differently. From ethnicity to religion, to the way we act and dress, we have always been divided. In this case, society has been divided into different groups based on different views.

The first group consists of those who have no access to “IT”. This group of people does not have the privilege of obtaining information, in a quick and less troublesome manner. They obtain their information through other means, such as the media.

The other group consists of those who grew up in the era of IT. The IT-savvy generation has perfectly accustomed their lives to IT. Computers, mobile phones, the Internet, and various other electronic gadgets are part of our daily lives. It has become a necessity.

Even in the 21st Century, there are people who are unlikely to have any access, to the advanced technology that is available. These are the people who are most unlikely ever to learn about it in the future. This might be due to the fact that they are from rural areas, where any form of technology is basically nonexistent.

It has been observed that due to technology, the rich get richer, while the poor remain in their status of being poor. This has then widened the gap between the two groups.

Some organizations are trying to close the Digital Divide, using software that allows anyone to modify software for their needs.

The Digital divide includes:

1. Information-rich versus information-poor (Developed and Undeveloped nations)

2. Those with skills versus those with few skills (social)

3. Those accessing the net at home versus those reliant on telecottages (cybercafés)

4. Those that have consistent and effective access to digital technologies, versus those who do not have.

5. Those who are able to harness the benefits of technologies, versus those who cannot do the same.

6. The ability to use ICT or otherwise.

The Digital divide exists between the educated and the uneducated, and also, those in cities and those in less urban areas.

The gap has moved beyond access to ICT and having the resources to connect to ICTs, to interpreting and understanding the information presented once connected.