7/17/2022

Technology and its Social,

Legal, and Ethical Context The Digital Divide
NIB290COM

Session 4 Life in The Information Age

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Objectives
• To review the factors that cause and influence the
digital divide and discuss its impact
• To quantify the extent of the digital divide and
discuss measures being taken to narrow the gap
• To discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the digital
divide
Introduction
• It is easy to forget that we don’t all have access to
ICT resources
• The digital divide refers to the gap between the
people who have access to a computer (or a
computer connected to the internet) and those
who do not.
• It can refer to individuals, social groups, and
communities worldwide.

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5 Factors which contribute to the

The Economic Factor
digital divide:
• The main reason individuals and communities don’t
have access to a computer or an up-to-date
Internet service are economic
• i.e. A lack of money
• Many developing countries struggle to provide
adequate telephone lines
• PC hardware and software is simply too expensive
for many people in the developing world

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The Economic Factor The Social Factor

• Originally, the digital divide was attributed to Internet
Access
• Now, most people have access to the Internet thanks to
libraries, and Internet cafes etc.
• We now think about the digital divide as those who do,
and those who don’t have the skills to use the internet
appropriately
• Many of today’s jobs require ICT skills and qualifications
• People without an education in ICT are at a
disadvantage and are unable to get work
• This is another example of a digital divide

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The Geographical Factor Internet Usage Statistics

• Availability of the Internet throughout the world
shows large differences between world regions:
http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats.htm
• This can be a result of
• Lack of internet access/infrastructure
• Language
• Culture

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Internet Usage Statistics Internet Usage Statistics

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Internet Usage Statistics The Fear of Technology Factor

• Many people do not use technology because they:
• Are not confident in their own ability to use computer
skills
• Fear that others will laugh at their attempts, therefore it
is easier not to try
• Think they will cause a computer problem as they
experiment and therefore prefer not to try
• Have heard or read news reports about computer fraud,
Internet scams and identity theft

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The Lack of Motivation Factor The Cultural Factor

• Many people are not prepared to put in the time • Attitudes: Some groups of people feel that ICT is for
and effort to learn something new particular groups of people:
• The young
• Some people link ICT with useless activities such as • The brainy
computer game playing, eyes damage, and other • Middle class
more sinister themes
• Cultural attitudes: Some communities place greater
• Modern Operating Systems (Windows, MacOS) are importance on:
much easier to use than they were 15 years ago, • Oral culture
however they still require a certain amount of • Personal communication
effort to grasp. • Kinship
• Strong family values

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The extent of the Digital Divide

• The digital divide is a world wide issue, and is not
just related to the gap between people with and
without access internet.
• Other contributing factors include:
• Lower-spec PCs
• Low quality internet connections
• Higher-priced Internet connections
• Difficulty with obtaining technical assistance
• Being a member of a community speaking a minority
language
• Lower access to subscriber content

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