The Digital Divide

Paper Summary:

There are many in today's society who do not have access to the internet and this fact automatically makes them 'digitally challenged'. This paper analyzes three articles which tackled the different dimensions or facets of the digital divide in the United States. Through the article analyses, the researcher posits that the problem of digital divide has multiple, rather than one, facet. This means that at present, the internet-oriented society confronts 'digital divides' of different kinds: Stratification in terms of access, use and even knowledge or education about the internet.

From the Paper:

"At present, societies from all over the world are rapidly becoming Internet-oriented, where almost all daily activities are mediated by or use Internet and computer technologies. The vital role of the Internet is especially addressed in increasing one's level of knowledge and becoming an aid in achieving formal education. Moreover, because of the generally-beneficial effects of Internet technology to society, accessing and using it has become imperative for all members of these Internet-oriented societies.
However, a digital divide exists despite the proliferation of Internet technology and use. There are still stratified groups that do not have access to the computer and Internet. Moreover, apart from lack or absence of access, the lack of skills and knowledge to use the Internet is another problem that relevant institutions such as the government and schools have been trying to curb by offering free access and training programs to the public about Internet use."

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• Research Proposal # 148681 : "The Digital Divide and Student Access"

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