Question

Briefly describe the traditional definition of the digital divide. What is it and who is affected, positively and adversely? How does the digital divide affect those that lack understanding of these technologies? Does access to technology and having the skills to use them necessarily mean that they will be used? Why might someone reject technology even if they have the necessary skills and access? Do you think the understanding and use of technology required to be a successful member of society? Give your reasoning.

Answer 1

• Digital divide can be described as the social and economical inequality regarding the access, use and impact of information and communication technology. Inequalities exist among individuals as well as regions or countries. If we examine the technological gap between various countries, we will notice that the impact or use of information and communication technology is not equal everywhere. This can be defined as digital divide.
• Based on the profession and income people have differentiation in accessing and using information and communication technology (ICT). As we know that technology makes life more easy and effective, the digital divide is affecting social and economical stability negatively. People are losing opportunities to change life as well as future. The areas such as trade and financial flows are affected positively by digital divide. Technology uses less manpower. So another positively affected side of digital divide is the possibility of poverty eradication.
• Those that lack understanding of technologies will not be able to speed up acquiring skills like other people who understands technology well. They will not get the advantages of information and communication technology (ICT) like idea sharing, market trends, online shopping services, videos, blogs and other media sources one can learn from. This can provide lagging behind in life.
• Access to technology and the knowledge to use them does not necessarily means that they will be used if not required. Technology should be used as a learning tool which should have effective uses in real life or should provides good purposes.
• Someone can reject technology even if they have the necessary skills and access for the following reasons:

          (1) If the technology is not flexible enough for the user.

          (2) Issue of reconfiguring the technology.

          (3) If the new technology has a high switching cost and not that much more effective than the existing technology.

          (4) The level of impact and the importance of the usage is not very effective.

• The understanding and use of technology is required to be a successful member of society.
• Understanding and use of technology provides the knowledge of effective communication and education which is essential in social life. Understanding and use of technology provides the values and ethics required to be a good human being and a beloved person in society.

Hope this helps.