Do you have easy access to computing devices and the Internet? Can you watch streaming videos on your smartphone, read news articles, play games, do research, get navigation help when driving, pay your bills online, check your social media pages, and participate in many other opportunities available to our online society? Do your friends have the same access? Think about all students in your school - does everyone have the same level of online access and computing power when they go home?
While we'd like everyone to have the same opportunity to use computers and online resources, not all people have equal access. Your ability to access and use digital resources can be impacted by your age, income, location, and many other factors. The differences in computing access caused by these factors are called the "digital divide". Sometimes a digital divide impacts an entire group of people, while in other cases a combination of factors impacts an individual person. Let's study some factors contributing to the digital divide.
Barrier to Equality: Demographics
The term "demographics" refers to the identification of a group of people by a shared trait like age, gender, or other observable data. Sometimes, a digital divide is based on demographic issues. For example, younger people may be more comfortable using digital resources as compared to older people. Do you have an older family member who struggles with electronics, email, web browsing, smart phone, or the thought of "virtual reality"? Someone who did not grow up immersed in technology may need extra help making the best use of online or computing resources.
Have you ever observed cases where groups or individuals of a specific age, gender, or other demographic trait have not had equal opportunity to use computers and the Internet?
Barrier to Equality: Geography and Countries
Your access to the Internet can certainly be impacted by geographical issues. If you live in a rural area, it may be harder to get fast Internet access (or any Internet access at all). When people are very spread out, it is harder to connect them together electronically. Private Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can only run data lines or wireless towers in areas where enough people live to justify those costs.
Similarly, in mountainous regions, it can be difficult to get over-the-air data signals (cellular or WiFi). If you live on an island, then you may not have access to high-speed, wired data lines. Thankfully, Internet access in these areas is improving with the advent of satellite Internet services.
If you compare different countries around the world, you will again find a digital divide based on the wealth and infrastructure of that country. Some countries tend to have readily available computing resources for most people, while others struggle to offer basic connectivity to many citizens.
Barrier to Equality: Socioeconomics
There are many socioeconomic issues that affect Internet and computer access across the world. Consider these examples:
Income - Buying computing devices and subscribing to ISP services to get Internet access costs money. The more money you have, the better access you can afford. Someone without Internet access at home may not be able to do homework or take advantage of other online opportunities without going to the library, school, or other local hot-spot.
Family - Your family has a big impact on the way you live. If you have technically savvy parents or other adults in your life that encourage and train you to use computers, you will have an advantage over someone who does not get that support at home. Similarly, you might be encouraged or discouraged from pursuing computing careers and online opportunities based on your family circumstances.
Culture - Your family, friends, community, geographic region, country, and other factors all contribute to your culture. Some cultures embrace computers and online activities, while others may ignore or even discourage technology.
As an individual, you have a unique combination of socioeconomic factors that contribute to your level of computer and Internet access. Today, you may or may not have equal access as compared to others. Some socioeconomic factors are beyond your control, especially as a student or teen. However, as you get older and become a responsible adult, the decisions you make can greatly improve (or worsen) the digital divide in your own life.
Barrier to Equality: Censorship
Ideally, everyone connected to the Internet would have the same free and easy access to information. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Information may be limited in a variety of ways.
Censorship logo on monitorAt a national level, certain countries may decide to block parts or all of the Internet. The leaders of a country may decide they don't want their citizens to see information about global events or ideas that run counter to their national policies. A government that is based on fear and intimidation may also want to prevent citizens from communicating freely with each other in order to prevent organized resistance.
It is also possible that some of the online services you use every day will censor information. For example, consider social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. All of these companies have Terms of Use that prohibit certain types of information or behavior. Posts that contain obviously illegal activities like terroristic threats or bullying are certainly prohibited and are removed when identified.
However, a company may decide to censor other posts based on political, religious, ethnic, or other content that is interpreted as violating the Terms of Use. These kinds of censorship decisions may be made by individual employees and could be subject to bias from that employee or the overall company culture. You would be prevented from seeing the post even if society at large would not consider the content to be harmful, unethical, or illegal.
Finally, think about how your opinions and choices are shaped by large search engines like Google. The page ranking of search results has a large impact on the links you follow. A link that is displayed earlier in the results list is more likely to be visited than something a few pages later. Do you trust your search engine to give you unbiased and uncensored results?
For example, Google might decide to promote their own products and services over the competition and show their own links first in the search results, moving competitive results later in the list or leaving them off entirely. You could only work around this kind of censorship by using an alternative search engine or finding links to those products from other sites.
Barrier to Equality: Language
Welcome written in many languagesIn the United States, English is the most common language. That means instructions for using computers, setting up home networks, and connecting to your ISP are often presented in English first. Those instructions may not be available in other languages. Similarly, when using apps on your computer or browsing online information, you may find the information you need in one language but not another. If you can't find instructions or information in the language you know, you may have difficulty using those computers, apps, and Internet resources.
English is commonly used worldwide for technical conversations, especially around computer science topics. Software engineers and computer scientists must still often communicate in English, regardless of their country, community, or family preferences. If considering a technical career, be sure to learn English if possible, even if it's not your first language!
Barrier to Equality: Accessibility
Digital accessibility is the ability of a website, mobile application, or computer program to be easily navigated and understood by a wide range of people. Some users have visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities that make it hard to read text on a page, hear audio from a video, type on a keyboard, or use a mouse.
To provide input or execute a command within a software program, you will usually type on a keyboard, use a mouse, or use your finger on a touch-sensitive screen. The program will respond with some sort of output, usually communicated as text, images, or videos on a computer screen or audible sounds or music played through the computer speakers.
What happens when you have a disability that affects your sight, hearing, or physical mobility? How can you provide inputs if you can't type, control a mouse or physically touch the screen? How would you understand visual or audio output if you can't see or hear?
Computer programs and websites may provide alternate types of inputs and outputs so all users can be successful. These accessibility standards reduce the digital divide that some users face when trying to work with computers or online resources.
Barrier to Equality: Bias
Bias happens when you develop a feeling or viewpoint about a subject or group, especially when the feeling is not based on actual experience with that group. As humans, it is easy for us to let bias guide our work, even if we don't realize it. Software engineers who develop new programs and services should carefully consider all parts of their target market to avoid bias.
For example, if you are developing a speech-recognition algorithm, you might naturally train that system to recognize your own voice. If you only test the system with your own speech, it might not work at all for users that speak differently. Someone who grows up in a different region might speak the same language but have their own accents, words, or phrases. You should train your system with sample data from all parts of your target market.
Bias is not simply a matter of using representative data or ensuring algorithms will work for many people. When developing a new idea, you might ignore features that you don't want, even if many other people would find them useful. When marketing the product, you might develop a sales campaign that works well for one group but is offensive to another. Ensuring that a computer product or online service is free from bias takes a dedicated effort throughout the software development life-cycle (SDLC).
Bridging the Digital Divide
There are certainly many factors that can contribute to a digital divide. How can we help close this gap? As an individual, you are responsible for your own actions. This means you can recognize the barriers to equality and work to avoid or overcome problems when you can. For example, as a software engineer, you can avoid bias in your own work, ensure your products and services are accessible for all users, and design software to support multiple languages.
Additionally, advocating for equal access to computing devices and the Internet in your community and school can help bridge the digital divide. Encouraging educational programs and initiatives that provide technology resources to those in need can also make a difference. Working together as a society to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities to use digital resources is essential in reducing the digital divide.
By being aware of the factors contributing to the digital divide and taking action to address them, we can work towards a more equitable and inclusive online society for all. Let's work together to bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to access and benefit from the digital world.
Certainly, some barriers to equality are beyond the control of a single person. Larger organizations like schools or companies can step in to help close the digital divide. For example, some schools may offer free WiFi or provide a laptop computer to each student, ensuring there is enough computing power for all students to finish homework. These technical programs might be funded in partnership with private companies or charitable organizations.
On their own, companies may establish policies to avoid bias and ensure all products are accessible to as many users as possible. Companies can also develop products and services specifically designed for disadvantaged users. For example, new networks of low-earth orbit satellites can provide fast Internet service to rural users or those living in areas that can't get traditional Internet connections.
At a national level, governments can provide can pass laws supporting free speech, help establish standards for accessibility, and avoid censoring or blocking online services.
Can you envision any other steps individuals, local organizations, companies, or governments can take to help close the digital divide? What are the pros and cons of each step?
Digital Divide: A difference in internet and computer usage between users in different socioeconomic, geographic and demographic groups.
Demographic Issue: An issue that is based on age, gender, or other statistic.
Geographical Issue: An issue that is based on the area in which someone lives.
Socioeconomic Issue: An issue that is based on economic, social, or cultural behavior.
Censorship: Preventing certain speech due to political, religious, ethnic or other content.
Bias: A feeling or viewpoint for or against a group, often preconceived or based on stereotypes.
Digital Accessibility: The ability of a website, mobile application or computer program to be easily navigated and understood by a wide range of users.
Individuals, local organizations, companies, and governments can take various steps to help close the digital divide. Here are some additional actions that can be considered:
1. Individuals can volunteer to teach digital skills to those in need in their communities. By offering free workshops or one-on-one training, individuals can help others develop the skills needed to access and utilize digital resources effectively.
2. Local organizations can set up community centers with free internet access and computer facilities. These centers can serve as hubs for community members to access information, learn new skills, and connect with others online.
3. Companies can offer discounted or free internet and technology services to low-income individuals and families. By providing affordable options for access to digital resources, companies can help bridge the gap for those who may not otherwise be able to afford them.
4. Governments can invest in infrastructure development to improve internet connectivity in rural and underserved areas. By expanding access to high-speed internet and technology resources, governments can ensure that all citizens have equal opportunities to participate in the digital world.
5. Governments can also implement policies that promote digital literacy education in schools and communities. By integrating technology skills training into educational curricula and providing resources for lifelong learning, governments can empower individuals to navigate and utilize digital resources effectively.
Pros of these steps include an increase in digital inclusion and access for marginalized communities, leading to greater participation in the digital economy and society. By closing the digital divide, individuals and communities can access information, education, and opportunities that were previously out of reach.
Cons of these steps may include the costs associated with implementing programs and initiatives to bridge the digital divide. Additionally, there may be challenges in reaching all individuals who need support, especially in remote or underserved areas. It may also require collaboration and partnership between multiple stakeholders to effectively address the digital divide on a larger scale.
Overall, taking action to address the digital divide at individual, organizational, and governmental levels can lead to a more equitable and inclusive society where everyone has equal access to the benefits of the digital world.
1. What is the digital divide?
2. How can demographics contribute to a digital divide?
3. How can geographic locations or countries contribute to a digital divide?
4. What are some sample socioeconomic issues that might cause a digital divide?
5. How do censorship and bias keep information away from groups of people?
6. Why might individuals who don't speak the most common language in an area struggle with computing resources?
7. What is digital accessibility? What should software companies and websites do to ensure accessibility?
8. How can bias creep into computer products? Is bias limited to computer code and data?
9. What are some ways individuals, companies, and governments can help close the digital divide?
1. The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to and can effectively use digital technology and the internet, and those who do not have such access or skills. It encompasses disparities in access to devices, internet connectivity, digital literacy, and the ability to participate in the digital world.
2. Demographics can contribute to a digital divide in various ways. For example, age can impact digital skills and comfort with technology, with younger generations typically being more tech-savvy than older generations. Gender disparities also exist, with certain groups having less access to technology or facing barriers to utilizing digital resources.
3. Geographic locations or countries can contribute to a digital divide through disparities in internet infrastructure and accessibility. Rural areas or developing countries may lack reliable internet connectivity or have limited access to technology, creating barriers to digital inclusion for residents in these areas.
4. Some sample socioeconomic issues that might cause a digital divide include income disparities, access to resources, educational opportunities, and social support systems. Individuals from lower-income backgrounds may struggle to afford technology devices or internet services, limiting their ability to participate in the digital world.
5. Censorship and bias can keep information away from groups of people by restricting access to certain content or promoting biased perspectives. Censorship by governments or online platforms can limit the availability of information, while bias in algorithms or content creation can shape the narratives and content that users are exposed to.
6. Individuals who don't speak the most common language in an area may struggle with computing resources due to language barriers. Instructions, content, and interfaces in technology may be predominantly available in the dominant language, making it challenging for non-native speakers to navigate and utilize digital resources effectively.
7. Digital accessibility refers to the design of websites, applications, and technology to be usable by individuals with disabilities. Software companies and websites should adhere to accessibility standards, such as incorporating features for screen readers, keyboard navigation, and alternative text for images, to ensure that all users can access and interact with digital content.
8. Bias can creep into computer products through various stages of development, including data collection, algorithm design, and user interface. Biases in data sets, design choices, or user testing can result in discriminatory outcomes or limited access for certain groups. Bias is not limited to computer code and data, as it can also manifest in user experiences, marketing strategies, and decision-making processes within tech companies.
9. Individuals, companies, and governments can help close the digital divide by implementing initiatives to increase access to technology, provide digital skills training, and support marginalized communities in leveraging digital resources. This includes offering affordable internet services, promoting digital literacy programs, and investing in infrastructure development to expand connectivity. Collaboration among stakeholders and advocacy for equitable access to digital resources are key to addressing the digital divide effectively.
Your answers have to be related to the responses I gave you.
I apologize for the oversight in my responses. Here are the answers tailored to the information provided in your questions:
1. The digital divide refers to the gap in access to and utilization of digital technology and the internet between different groups of people, based on factors such as income, location, age, and demographic traits.
2. Demographics, such as age or gender, can contribute to the digital divide by influencing individuals' comfort level and proficiency with technology. Younger generations or certain gender groups may have more exposure to and experience with digital resources, leading to disparities in access and skills.
3. Geographic locations or countries can contribute to the digital divide by impacting the availability of internet infrastructure and connectivity. Rural areas or developing countries may face challenges in accessing high-speed internet and technology resources, leading to a digital divide based on location.
4. Some sample socioeconomic issues that might cause a digital divide include income disparities, limited access to technology resources, educational opportunities, and cultural barriers. Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may struggle to afford devices or internet services, hindering their ability to engage with digital technologies.
5. Censorship and bias can keep information away from certain groups by controlling the dissemination of content or promoting specific perspectives. Censorship by governments or platforms can restrict access to information, while bias in algorithms or content creation can perpetuate discriminatory narratives and limit diverse viewpoints.
6. Individuals who do not speak the dominant language in an area may face challenges in accessing computing resources due to language barriers. Instructions, interfaces, and content may primarily be available in the predominant language, making it difficult for non-native speakers to navigate and utilize digital tools effectively.
7. Digital accessibility involves designing technology to be user-friendly for individuals with disabilities, such as incorporating features like screen readers and keyboard navigation. Software companies and websites should prioritize accessibility to ensure that all users, regardless of abilities, can access and interact with digital content.
8. Bias can enter computer products through various stages of development, including data collection, algorithm design, and user interface. Biases in data sets, design choices, or testing procedures can result in discriminatory outcomes or limited access for specific groups, affecting the inclusivity and fairness of digital products.
9. To address the digital divide, individuals, companies, and governments can implement measures such as providing affordable internet services, offering digital skills training programs, and investing in infrastructure development. Collaborative efforts to promote equity and expand access to digital resources are essential in bridging the digital divide and ensuring inclusivity in the digital age.