Every day we
wake up in the morning and take a glance at our smartphone devices to monitor
social feeds and happenings around the globe. Throughout the day we will
interact with connected devices such as computers, tablets, and wearable
technologies that will ultimately make us more knowledgeable than the day
before. Essentially, access to these technologies is invaluable as it makes us
open-minded, more social and a more knowledgeable individual to the world we
live in. With that said, we have transitioned into a digital society that takes
connected devices for granted and we have become oblivious to those who do not
have access to this kind of tech.
Although we are living in a more connected world, the
digital divide is a disturbing trend that is shaping our generation today. The
term refers to the gap between demographics and regions that have access to
modern information and communications technology, and those that don’t. Granted,
the world is seeing a rapid diffusion of connectivity around the world, but one
must acknowledge the spread is unequal at best. Economic development,
technological advancement and even social progress are dependent on
digitization. Therefore access to ICT has become a necessity and it is
imperative that all are granted such access.
Inequalities within ICT are often referred to the
“information underclass”. With that said, there are numerous variables acting
as a catalyst for the digital divide. The lack of income generation remains a
primary reason as basic ICT access requires an investment of US$10 a month for
a family household. This means being a “connected” individual is impossible for
nearly 40% of the global population as they earn less than US$2 a day.
According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation
and Development (OECD), variables such as household size , age, gender, racial,
ethnic backgrounds and geographical location also contribute to the digital
divide. Additionally, a lower level of education directly correlates with the
lack of access to modern ICT and in part, a lower chance of success. The
technological growth of first world countries is further widening the divide as
third world countries are falling behind in the technological spectrum.
Even Bill Clinton publicly condemned the digital divide
as far back in 1998 at the Massachusetts Institute Of Technology.
Clinton said:
“We know from hard experience that unequal education
hardens into unequal prospects. We know the Information Age will accelerate
this trend. The three fastest growing careers in America are all in computer
related fields, offering far more than average pay. Happily, the digital divide
has begun to narrow, but it will not disappear of its own accord. History
teaches us that even as new technologies create growth and new opportunity,
they can heighten economic inequalities and sharpen social divisions. That is,
after all, exactly what happened with the mechanization of agriculture and in
the Industrial Revolution.
As we move into the Information Age we have it within our
power to avoid these developments. We can reap the growth that comes from
revolutionary technologies and use them to eliminate, not to widen, the
disparities that exist. But until every child has a computer in the classroom
and a teacher well-trained to help, until every student has the skills to tap
the enormous resources of the Internet, until every high-tech company can find
skilled workers to fill its high-wage jobs, America will miss the full promise
of the Information Age.”
So the question is, how does society overcome the digital
divide? The way forward starts with policy reform where governments recognize
the social and economic benefits of the diffusion of ICTs. We need to see a
more “connected” individual, through low cost technologies and increased
investment in telecommunication markets all over the world. There needs to be a
renewed focus on telecom infrastructure enhancements in rural, low-income and
underprivileged areas. With that said, residential areas are enjoying the
spoils of affordable fixed line services whereas the poor access the internet
using mobile devices where internet costs the most.
The project iSizwe initiative has certainly honed in on
this issue and has begun rolling out free wi-fi in public spaces and low income
areas. Education remains a long term imperative for the greater spread of ICT
access. The benefits of ICT need to be understood by the youth so they can
greater leverage a technological skillset later on in life. Such endeavors need
to start at a
grassroots level where ICT technologies and access must be rolled out in schools and tertiary institutions that will have a ripple effect in the future.
grassroots level where ICT technologies and access must be rolled out in schools and tertiary institutions that will have a ripple effect in the future.
Low cost smartphones such as the Vodacom Smart Kicka are
emerging to bridge the gap between the digital divide.
Truth is, the divide is widening and will continue to do
so if remain unchecked. There are initiatives in place to bridge the gap, but
in isolation is effectiveness is limited at best.
However, a cumulative effort that is fueled by policy
reform can ensure ICT access is affordable and accessible to all. We need to
see such initiatives such as Googles Project Loon rolling out on an
international level that promises internet access for all, and essentially
making the world a more connected place.
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