Digital divide Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
The digital divide is a social/political issue referring to the socio-economic gap between communities that have access to computers and the Internet and those who do not. The term also refers to gaps that exist between groups regarding their ability to use ICTs (Information and Communications Technologies) effectively, due to differing levels of literacy and technical skills, as well as the gap between those groups that have access to quality, useful digital content and those that do not. The term became popular among concerned parties, such as scholars, policy makers, and advocacy groups, in the late 1990s.Broadly speaking, the difference is not necessarily determined by the access to the Internet, but any ICTs and media that different segments of society can use. With regards to the Internet, the access is only one aspect, but the quality of connection and auxiliary services, processing speed and other capabilities of the computer used, and other factors could also be part of the issue. (Davison and Cotten; 2003), although one doesn't need even a computer to connect to the Internet (see also MSN TV, Webphone, PDA, mobile phone).
The problem is often discussed in an international context, indicating certain countries such as the U.S. are far more equipped than other developing countries to exploit the benefits from the rapidly expanding Internet. This global digital divide will be discussed in a separate article.
The idea of the digital divide resonates with "common sense" skepticism against claims of the revolutionary power of the Internet and the emerging utopian information society. Some suggest that the Internet and other ICTs are somehow transforming society, improving our mutual understanding, eliminating power differentials, realizing a democratic society, and so on.
At the same time, some skeptics point out that not every gap is a problem. Michael Powell, chairman of the FCC, stated that the 'Mercedes divide' (differing ownership status of Mercedes Benz automobiles) is not a problem, implying that the digital divide is not, either; but the access to the Internet is a universal service (e.g. to gain access to knowledge such as in encyclopedias) in some cases and Mercedes Benz is not. Rebentisch of FFII criticized that most definitions of 'digital divide' fail the popper criteria and reflect a negative view towards information technology. The definition of 'digital' was fuzzy in the context of 'digital divide'. A Nielsen report shows strong growth of Internet access in undeveloped countries.
Apart from the ideas, the term can be traced back to early 1990s. The exact origin is unknown [1], but politicians such as Bill Clinton and Al Gore, began using it in their speeches starting in 1995.
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2 Information poverty 3 Knowledge gap 4 National interest and societal benefit 5 Rural area access 6 Policies 7 See also 8 References |
Dimensions of the divide
Unlike what the term evokes, digital divide is not indeed a clear single gap that divides a society into two groups. Researchers report that disadvantage can take such forms as lower-performance computer, lower-quality or high price connection (i.e. narrowband or dialup connection), difficulty of obtaining technical assistance, and fewer access to subscription-based contents.
It should also be noted that cost of service may differ depending on location, being pricier at the rural areas.
In the early days of digital divide analysis the availability of the access at an affordable cost was the key issue. As internet connection is becoming popular in some countries such as United States, and broadband connection becomes realistic policy issues than future expectations, the increasing amount of discussion of the divide between people who have broadband connections and those who have narrowband. Many people can get very cheap access in local Internet Cafes. Today the argument has moved on to skills and literacy, training people in computer skills, which often entails teaching them to read and write first.
Another key dimension of the Digital Divide, is the global digital divide, reflecting existing economic divisions in the world.
In many countries, access to the telephone system is considered such a vital element that governments implement various policies to offer affordable telephone service (universal service).
Literacy is arguably another such element, although it is not related to any new technologies or latest technological devices. It is a very widely shared view in many societies that being literate is essential to one's career, self-guided learning, and political participation.
On the other hand, some scholars point out that information is quite different from money, and the notion of "information poverty" is somewhat misleading.
The knowledge gap hypothesis in communications studies, first formulated in Tichendor, Donohue, & Olien (1970), suggests that there is a chronic gap of knowledge that different sectors of society possess.
The subsequent research seem to suggest that the gap is smaller in the arena of knowledge about local issues and matters personally relevant to the recipients.
The gap was also thought to reduce as television replaces newspaper as a source of knowledge. Compared to newspapers, television require less literacy, and it is considered a more passive medium.
The advent of the Internet might reverse this change, since it is predominantly a text medium. It is also the case that users of the Internet may need more skills to navigate through vast amount of information rather than passively receiving information feed from newspaper or television.
At the same time, the much expected broadband and its applications may change the situation yet another time, bringing audio-visual dimension to the medium. It is also the case that personal interactions are easier on the Internet than newspapers and television, and the process of knowledge acquisition may change qualitatively. (See also Opinion leadership Two-step flow of communication)
This is an Article on Digital divide. Page Contains Information, Facts Details or Explanation Guide About Digital divide Information poverty
The idea that some information and communication technologies are vital to quality civic life is not new. It is also not new that some communication infrastructure and active use of it are considered of national interest.
(See, for example, Colombo and Lanzavecchia, 1982). Knowledge gap
The idea that some people have better access to information than others is not new, either. National interest and societal benefit
There are a variety of arguments regarding why closing the digital divide is important. The major arguments are as follows:
Rural area access
The accessibility of rural areas to the Internet is a test of the digital divide. But nowadays there are different ways to eliminate the digital divide in rural areas (if they can be universally accessed and with cheap prices):
Policies
With the landmark legislation of Telecommunications Act of 1996, Internet accessibility for schools and other Internet-related goals are included in the universal service goals that the United States government pursue.See also
References