The Digital Divide is an issue often discussed within the commercial arena and service organizations, particularly those organizations that seek to serve limited resource and hard-to-reach audiences. The Digital Divide, as defined by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), represents the gap between those who have access to new technologies and those who do not. Debate surrounding the issue causes some to question the true existence of a divide. But as we progress to a society that is driven by e-commerce, online government services, telemedicine, and distant learning courses, those who do not have access to technology will be left behind. Consequently, this makes the concept of a divide a reality for many.
In 1999, the NTIA reported that although the number of Americans connected to the nation's information infrastructure was soaring, many groups still lacked access to the "information society." Computer ownership levels showed 40 percent for white households, but only 19.4 percent for Latino homes, and 19.3 percent for black households. The levels were lower for minorities living in rural areas. Single parent female-headed households lagged behind also at about 25 percent compared to dual parent households at 57.2 percent (Mascavinta, 1998).
While more recent research shows that the gap is closing, there are still some disparities. The gap closed significantly between 1997 and 2001. Statistics from 2001 show 46 percent of black children living in homes with a computer and 47 percent for Hispanic children. But the rates are still significantly lower than for non-Hispanic white children, around 83 percent with computer access. Increased income correlates with increased computer access regardless of race. Reports from a study released by the Annie E. Casey Foundation indicated disparities by regions for children living in suburban, rural and central cities. Seventy-three percent of those living in suburbs had access to a home computer, compared to 61 percent of rural children and 53 percent of children living in central cities. Additionally, low-income and rural communities are generally the last to be wired for high-speed Internet access, thus increasing the potential for differences in usage patterns.
Some educators and policy makers are hopeful that local, state and federal interventions will result in programs and activities that will ultimately bridge the divide. Companies and celebrities are getting involved by contributing resources to support the development of products that target undeveloped markets and communities to improve access.
In the meantime, outreach professionals have a responsibility to explore opportunities and offer solutions to bridging the access gap in homes, schools and communities. Workshops and seminars at community centers and libraries, and games and tutorials for youth offer helpful solutions to citizens who are at risk of exclusion. Closing the Digital Divide is essential to the continued growth of our economy and the welfare of our citizens regardless of their race, income level, or geographic location. Information providers play a pivotal role in providing access to all of those who may not otherwise have it.
References
Buckley, Ciaran. (July 2002). Digital divide hits American children. Electric News. Retrieved March 3, 2003, from http://www.electricnews.net/news.html?code=8094651.
Macavinta, Courtney. (July 28, 1998). Digital divide growing, study says. CNET News.com. Retrieved May 29, 2001, from http//news.cnet.com/news.0.1000.0-1005-200-331673.00./html.
Macavinta, Courtney. (July 1999). Study: Digital divide persists. CNET News. Retrieved March 31, 2003, from http://news.com.com/2100-1023-228150.html.
Marks, Alexandria. (January 2000). Digital divide narrows. ABCNews. Retrieved March 31, 2003, from http://www.abcnews.go.com/sections/tec/Daily News/csm-divide00
Meredith, John. (May 2002). Closing the new digital divide: African-Americans call upon the FCC to allow improved high-speed Internet access. National Policy Analysis. Retrieved March 24, 2003, from http://www.nationalcenter.org/NPA411.html.
United States Department of Commerce. (July 1995). Falling through the Net: A survey of the "have nots" in rural and urban America. Retrieved May 31, 2001, from http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/fallingthru.html.