Digital Divides
According to Pazurek and Feyissa (2015), the digital divide at its inception in the early 90s was the literal lack of access to technology. Today, the digital divide “generally describes the disparity that exists among individuals and communities around the world with varying degrees of access to digitally mediated information and communication technologies (ICTs) and ability to benefit from digital resources” (Pazurek and Feyissa, 2015). Basically, the digital divide describes the physical divide, as well as the digital competencies and skills individuals have in being able to utilize technology.
On the other hand, digital equity, according to the NDIA website, is defined as “…a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society … is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services” (NDIA, 2021). Overall, digital equity refers to the ideal conditions in which every individual has fair access and competencies to be able to successfully use technology.
According to Scientific American, digital INequality ranges from “the lack of digital and media literacies, critical thinking and communication skills in order to navigate and evaluate data online, an information and knowledge gap, and lastly, collaboration and participatory inequalities (Radovanovic, 2011). Having limited access and skills can cause significant challenges. In 2020, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools and jobs were forced online. Because of this, many rural areas were unprepared for the digital shift and many were without access to broadband internet (Davis, 2021). Either with no internet at home, or in rural areas, families are less likely to own technologies that hold the capacities to learn online.
Digital equity differs in that age, class, ethnicity and more play an important role in gauging who gets access to technologies and technological competencies. With the world turning increasingly digital, especially with the pandemic, it is important to recognize that digital inequalities exist and are a huge barrier to civic engagement.
Currently, I work at homeless shelters in Ramsey County, Minnesota. Talking to the residents, there are multiple divides that inequalities that have existed. One of my residents, Tommie*, told me that after being in prison for a few decades, he had no knowledge of how to use current cell-phones. It is intimidating. Even though it’s been a few years since being out of prison, he still has massive difficulties trying to use his phone to do anything but call another person. Being that I am at a shelter, some residents do not own a phone at all and had to borrow others, lacking a consistent form of contact. Without a solid form of contact, these people cannot get jobs, and cannot afford technology. Thus, perpetuating the digital divide.
