Subject: The topic for this week is Global Digital Divide. Our aim is to outline the definition of Digital Divide and how it is prevalent between countries.
When we think of Digital Divide, there are various classifications that come to our mind. Digital Divide can be assessed from a global standpoint, as well as, by divisions within a country. These divisions can be based on gender, urban/rural location, ethnicity, economic level etc. In an article, “Bridging digital divide: Efforts in India”, S.S Rao mentions that digital divide can exist due to differences in economic standing of individuals, economic prosperity of nations, ethnicity, age (young/old), rural/urban, gender, geographic location, quantitative and qualitative aspects, dial-up and broadband access.
http://www.ci-journal.net/index.php/ciej/article/view/313/429
We know that digital divide exists at various sections and sub-sections of the global society. However, what is digital divide? It is characterized by the gap between people who have the technology and people who do not have it. Also, it is believed that people with technology are ‘information rich’ while people without it lack information.
In 2005, a research showed that 85% of Internet usage came from developed countries. This means that the developing countries only used 15% of the total amount. This highlights the digital divide amongst the two sections. The following website delineates the global digital divide in terms of use of personal computers. In 2001, North America championed the PC market, while South Asia was the lowest consumer. http://ucatlas.ucsc.edu/communication/digitaldivide.php
So, is it true that people lacking technology are less informed than the ones with technology? We know that growing technologies and especially convergence introduces us to new ideas more conveniently. This convenience gives us the impetus to access more technology at our own discretion. Also, it provides users with an advantage of creating their own content. It is an important platform that gives individuals a chance to have their voices heard. Also, it helps in introducing people to new ideas and cultures from all around the world. In the United States, growing technologies are being used to impart education in schools and colleges. It is being anticipated that such usage will grow in future. For example, the Stanford School of medicine has decided to give away IPads to all its incoming students in 2014.
http://www.imedicalapps.com/2010/07/stanford-school-of-medicine-ipad-incoming-class/
However, in contrast to the United States, most South Asian countries do not involve this kind of media usage for school curriculum. Especially, the rural sections of the society have limited accessibility to technology and the usage of computers and PCs are mostly concentrated in the metropolitans or smaller cities. But in contrast to other technologies, the growth of mobile phones in developing countries has been substantial. Most villagers use it not only for personal communication but also for their local businesses. In countries like India, mobile phones have been made economical. Also, televisions are popular throughout most countries but new interactive media has not seen much development.
http://design4dev.wetpaint.com/page/Mobile+Phone+Use+in+India
Lately, NGOs and governmental organizations are trying to establish new technologies in the rural areas of South Asia. Their belief is that such technologies will aid in the rural development, as well as, help in expanding media literacy. Examples of these programs can be seen in India. A few examples are Akshaya e-centers in Kerela and Passenger reservation system for railways etc.
However, many studies claim that these programs help in increasing the digital divide rather than alleviating it. More about this in my next Blog.
