What is the digital divide?

The digital divide refers to the existing divide between people who have access to
the Internet and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), and those who
do not, or who have limited access,

There are many advantages to the Internet and other technologies associated with
the so- called Fourth Industrial Revolution: They allow us to enjoy series on our
tablet or computer, learn a new skill in an online course, or complete banking
transactions with just a few clicks of the mouse. However, not the entire population
has access to the Internet or the same digital know- how, which creates major
technology gaps. This translates into inequalities among the population even within
the same country.

Although the number of people connected to the Internet keeps on growing, there
are still almost three billion people around the world who can't access the digital
environment, making this one of the main reasons causing the digital gap. Despite
significant progress being made in this regard, especially as a result of the COVID-
19 pandemic, the fact that part of the world's population lacks the necessary know-
how and tools to use ICTs is an additional challenge for their economic.and
professional development, among other aspects.

Causes and types of digital divide

The digital divide is due to a combination of several factors. These include the cost
of devices and services for connecting to the Internet, impeding access for low-
income earners; insufficient knowledge and skills to use the necessary devices and
technologies easily; and the difficulty in implementing infrastructures that facilitate
the adoption of ICTs in certain areas.

Let's distinguish between what types of digital divides exist and who they affect.

Usage gap

This is the first example of a digital divide. This refers to the lack of sufficient digital
skills to use ICTs on a personal or. professional level. For example, people who have
more difficulty using the Internet face an additional obstacle when performing
everyday tasks (such as making an online doctor's appointment or accessing
electronic banking, among others).

Access gap

This is one of the main causes of the digital divide. This is related to certain
population groups being unable to access ICTs. This is usually due to socioeconomic
inequalities among individuals and different regions, as public funding is not
available everywhere to implement infrastructures that facilitate Internet access,
and not everybody has sufficient resources to afford the devices and services that
would enable them to connect.

Generation gap

According to Eurostat data, almost half of the population between 65 and 74 years
of age has low digital skills, which has been further highlighted by the COVID-19
pandemic. Furthermore, this gap tends to widen among people with lower
purchasing power or those who live in rural areas.
Digital gender gap

This leads to women having reduced access to ICT, which in turn results in fewer
girls choosing STEM careers. Although in Spain Internet connection is equal between
the sexes, worldwide, 62% of men use the Internet compared to 57% of women. In
certain countries (such as Africa or the Arab States), the gender gap is more
pronounced.

Consequences of the digital divide

Difficulty in accessing ICTs increases inequality among different groups, as it

prevents part of the population from accessing the possibilities they offer. For
example, during the lockdown, where many schoolchildren were forced to continue
their classes online, the lack of a stable connection and the appropriate devices
meant some students were unable to keep up their schooling as normal. The same
happened with working from home: adults who lacked the right tools and know-how
were limited in their ability to work as normal. Therefore, let's take a look at the
different causes of the digital divide are:
Isolation: Social isolation is one of the characteristics of the digital divide, especially
as a result of the pandemic, has increased among people who do not have access to
the Internet. Additionally, people living in rural areas without reception are virtually
cut off from communication services.

Difficulty in accessing education: The lack of access to ICTs makes it difficult for both
children and adults to access education. According to a report by the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU), published together with UNICEF, 63% of young
people between 15 and 24 years of age do not have an internet connection at
home.

A barrier to accessing work: People face greater difficulties in finding a job, not only
because digital know-how is increasingly necessary but also because they are
unable to check online job websites where these offers are published.

Social differences: The obstacles to connecting to the digital world make the
differences between groups more evident.

Geographical differences: These are also intensified between regions and countries,
which directly affects their possibilities for growth.

Dependence and vulnerability: Technological discrimination means that some

people have less independence in performing certain tasks, which in turn makes
them more vulnerable (e.g., digital crime).

Strategies to bridge the digital divide around the world

To bridge the digital divide, it is necessary to act on all fronts and apply measures
from different sectors. For example, the OECD, following the COVID-19 crisis, has
issued a series of recommendations for G20 countries to help bridge the digital
divide when it comes to other less developed countries. Other international
organizations, such as the UN and UNESCO, are also working along these lines,
either as a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) or through initiatives to get the
population more involved in the digital world.

National and regional governments have also implemented numerous digital

literacy projects. The Spanish government has launched the National Digital Skills
Plan, aimed at developing "the digital skills and abilities of both workers and citizens
as a whole." Along these lines, the Andalusian Government has Guadal info centers,
which offer ICT services and advice on digital literacy, in addition to specific
initiatives.
The private sector has presented important projects aimed at facilitating access to
technology. In this respect, it is worth mentioning the Employment and Technology
Campus, where thirteen companies and organizations have collaborated with the
Adecco Foundation in training twelve unemployed single mothers in how to use new
technologies. In addition, the Campus has included online activities for the mothers'
children, including robotics courses and orientation workshops on the professional
possibilities offered by ICT's. In the case of Repsol, its Foundation has provided the
necessary equipment so that both the mothers and their children can follow this
training online.

The Impacts of Digital Divide

Sep 20, 2018 | Posted by Carmen Steele |

Digital Divide

The digital divide has created a new distinction basis in the society that has
critically influenced daily operations and livelihood of persons in globally. The ability
to fully access the internet is creating disparity and segregation witnessed in
different fields today. Analysis of ICT use among countries depicts enormous
variations that will well hold water in other aspects of life considering the pivotal
role of the internet in our daily lives. Differences in income and literacy are most
significant contributors to the digital divide but explain only part of the ethnic and
racial disparities in home and workplace technology access. Effects of the digital
divide are immensely felt in the following areas: Education, job opportunities,
communication, politics, consumer satisfaction, health Information, community
Involvement, government, and emergency information.

The ever-widening gap in the digital divide has significantly undermined

industrialization in the developing world creating a notion of dependency and
insufficiency. Considering the importance of technology in the development of a
country, it is exceptionally essential that developing countries seek on ways of
bridging the digital divide. Some of the initiatives to bridging this gap such as the
provision of incentives and awareness campaigns have shown a desirable degree of
success while others, for instance, funding citizens' technology experience have
proven to be counter-active and sometimes harmful. A candid look at the impacts of
the digital divide will guide on the direction and speed of bridging the digital gap.
Some of the vivid effects of the digital divide are elaborated below

Impact of the digital divide on education

The internet offers a rich reservoir of information and knowledge. Skills and
expertise are well organized and conveyed over the internet making the use of
computers to be a ubiquitous activity in the developed world. The access and
availability of ICT have been associated with academic success and robust research
activities since users can quickly make references. Education is a very dynamic
sector and keeping up to date is crucial to success, the presence of internet access
will ensure you get the latest trends and revolutionize your research skills. The
inadequacy of ICT equipment has made the already weak education system in the
developing countries even more ineffective.

Governments are now striving to avail ICT services to schools in an effort to improve
the education standards. Installation of computer laboratories, provision of laptops
to every student among other strategies have shown remarkable success rates.

Impact of the digital divide on the economy

Ceding of telecommunication services is crucial for economic growth, and there

exists a strong linear correlation between the two. Interestingly, socio-economic
status is one of the major causes of the digital divide and it also a consequence of
the digital divide. Penetration of internet enables people to engage in economically
productive activities such as trade without much hassle. They can shop online and
compare prices to get the best bargains, participate in online auctions and safely
and securely transact online this translates to economic empowerment. For the sect
that lacks access to technology, trade is made hectic, and returns get lowered this
maintain the economic gap between the developed and the underdeveloped nations
extensive. The rich countries get, and the emerging countries cannot compete with
them hence remaining to depend on grants and donations.

Integration of ICT affects the success of a business and thus influence the
circulation of resources among citizens.

Impact of the digital divide on social comunication

The inclusion of ICT services has been crucial in enhancing social interactions
among people.

Social websites such as Facebook and Instagram have been useful in facilitating
communication and maintaining touch with friend and relatives of close ties.
Technology is very influential on the levels of relations among members of society
since new social opportunities arise when we include ICT in our relationships. People
can now keep in touch with friends or even make new friends even amidst tight
schedule courtesy of chat rooms. Besides, internet harbors fertile information about
peoples' culture and religion that are vital in guiding social relations. Internet access
offers person access to a broader range of opportunities thus creating a social
divide between those who are enriched and those who are deficient. Such
segregation creates a potential for social conflicts in the communities where the
wealthy can have computers and access the internet while the poor are barred.
Efforts to bridge this gap initiated at a personal level through unacceptable
activities such as theft has led to the disruption of harmony in the society.

Impact of the digital divide on the society

The digital divide has contributed significantly to stratification in the community

whereby there arises a class of persons with access to the internet and another
class unable to use the ICT services either due to affordability issues or literacy
levels. Some other factors that contribute to the digital divide in the society include
age, race, and ethnicity. The digital divide has led to a rise of new alignments in the
community whereby people are classified depending on ability to access internet
services this is coupled with associated benefits, and therefore those with limited
access to technology continue to lag behind in development matters.

Impact of the digital divide on culture

Technology affects different cultures in varied ways either on the positive or the
negative. The integral components culture like relationships, communications, and
art have been dramatically evolved by technology. However, it seems like some
specific customs and cultural traditions have remained intact. The developed
countries experience tremendous changes in their culture as they incorporate new
cultures acquired from the internet while the developing countries with people
having limited access to the internet have their culture unchanged. Because they do
not have access to technology, people in technology-poor nations are left behind.
However, in order to narrow the digital divide, people need access to technology.
To eliminate the ICT global divide is essential for the growth of developing countries.
The development of information infrastructure is a quick way to economic growth
for less developed nations. Inasmuch as digital divide is essential in preserving
certain cultures, the downside impacts are overwhelming and speedy efforts
towards its reduction if not elimination should be much enhancedThe digital divide
refers to the disparity in access and utilisation of technological resources. Access to
technological resources includes mobile devices, laptops, personal computers, and
the internet, categorised as focal technologies. The digital divide, which relates to
disparities in utilising digital resources for personal gain, entails a range of domains,
including health, social relationships, and business. This is a prevalent issue that
affects various segments of society, including individuals, households, enterprises,
and geographical regions.

The importance of digital devices becomes evident, especially when considering the
widespread acceptance and utilisation of mobile phones. In 2001, the mobile phone
subscription rate was 18 per 100 individuals globally. However, this rate has
significantly increased and currently exceeds 108 per 100 individuals globally and
106 per 100 individuals in low and middle-income economies. Nevertheless,
Pakistan is not exhibiting a surprising trajectory in terms of the penetration of
mobile phone usage. In the year 2022, it has been observed that the mobile phone
subscription rate in Pakistan stands at 80 subscriptions per 100 individuals.

Digitalization, its impact and SDGs

The lack of sufficient penetration not only profoundly impacts individuals' overall
well-being but also carries significant ramifications for the various paths of
development. Hence, this phenomenon has drawn significant attention, prompting
an in-depth investigation into the digital divide among individuals in Pakistan and
the various factors that contribute to this divide.

Digital technology and the digital economy have been largely credited with
advancing communities and ecoriomies. The UN Sustainable Development Goals
emphasise the role of Information and communication technology (ICT) in universal
identity, effective government, financial inclusion, and employment development.
According to the SDGs, Target 9.c of SDG 9, equal access to digital technologies is
imperative across all segments of society and geographical regions. Three of the
169 SDGs' targets-5.b, 9.c, and 17.8-are identified as directly related to ICT
utilisation and availability.

Impact of the Digital Divide: Economic, Social, and Educational Consequences

Internet connectivity is vital to economic growth. Around the world, millions of
people rely on digital devices every day to complete their jobs, study for exams,
and communicate with loved ones. Digital technologies can open a world of
opportunities, but not everyone has equal access to the internet-or any access at
all.

The digital divide, or the split between those with and without reliable internet
connectivity and related technologies, has profound implications on society. Lack of
internet access affects the economy, social opportunities, and educational equity,
and many other areas. The impact of the digital divide can be severe, but some
solutions exist that can help bridge the gap.

Understanding the Digital Divide

The digital divide refers to the gap between those with and without access to
information communication technology (ICT). According to the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), approximately 45.2
percent of the world's households do not have access to the internet.

The digital divide is most apparent among other intersections of inequality,

especially race, gender, and class. According to UNESCO's report, women around
the world are 23 percent less likely to make use of mobile internet than their male
counterparts. In Asia, Africa, and South America, women are 30-50 percent less
likely to use the internet at all.

Many unconnected households live in rural or remote areas without adequate

broadband infrastructure. Many people lack the funds to pay for digital devices or
internet services. According to the US Department of Education, students from low-
income households are more likely to lack internet access due to issues of
affordability. Additionally, internet service providers are less likely to invest in fiber
broadband infrastructure in lower-income or rural areas, a practice known as digital
redlining.

The digital divide also has a severe impact on many daily activities. Those without
reliable ICT access miss out on valuable job opportunities and cannot participate in
the global digital economy. Students can face significant barriers while completing
schoolwork or participating in remote learning programs. Additionally, lack of
internet access and poor digital literacy can have a major impact on society,
contributing to deeper stratification, inequality, and misinformation.

The Impact of the Digital Divide on Society

The digital divide has deepened social stratification, leading to further segregation
and widening disparities. It is thus important for organizations, governments, and
other institutions to invest in digital literacy initiatives to close these gaps and
improve outcomes for all individuals.

Loss of Social Opportunities

ICT services play an important role in modern social interactions due to the rise of
various platforms that enhance personal, professional and business opportunities.
Social media websites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter facilitate
communication and connectivity between friends, family members, and complete
strangers. Over time, this technology has become more and more important for
social interactions.

Additionally, digital technologies provide users with an opportunity to express their

beliefs and share information. Many digitally enabled users rely on social media
websites to learn about current events, engage in civic discourse, and receive
important updates from their communities. While harmful misinformation is present
on these platforms, many users rely on online content to learn and communicate,
especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.Without access to digital technologies,
people can miss out on these social opportunities and feel isolated. They are unable
to communicate with loved ones in the same way as digitally enabled individuals.
These disparities may increase tensions among connected and disconnected
populations in areas where digital access varies from community to community.

Deepening Stratification

The digital divide is apparent along economic classes. People with lower incomes do
not have the resources to purchase digital devices or pay for monthly internet
services. Users living in rural, remote areas or less developed countries may not
have access to the broadband infrastructure necessary to access the internet. As
more and more people gain connectivity, divisions will continue to deepen between
those who have internet access and those who do not.
Additionally, internet connectivity enables users to access valuable social,
educational, and economic opportunities. Those who are unable to connect to the
internet lose out on these opportunities, accentuating social differences,
contributing to segregation and perpetuating economic inequalities. This
stratification can cause tension among class lines, especially in communities where
wealthier individuals have digital access while poorer members do not.

Barriers to Digital Literacy

Digital literacy refers to a person's ability to use ICTs to find, evaluate, create, and
communicate information. To be digitally literate, a user must know how to control
the physical components of a computing device. They must also know how to open
various programs, such as web browsers, word processors, and messaging
applications. A competent digital user will also need to know how to communicate in
digital spaces, identify credible information, and avoid scams, misinformation, and
other malicious schemes.

However, users who lack access to ICTs do not have the opportunity to develop
digital literacy skills, which further exacerbates the digital divide. It can become
more difficult to develop these skills as technology advances and becomes more
complex. As a result, adults who are not digitally literate are often far less likely to
fully engage with digital tools.

Recent technological advancement has been exponential; one new development

often spawns multiple innovations. With the growth of 5G and the advanced
applications that it unlocks, users who are not already familiar with digital
technologies may fall further and further behind. An expansion of digital literacy
education is necessary to bridge this gap, especially for older adults and other
individuals who are affected by the digital divide.

The Educational Impact of the Digital Divide

According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), 1.3 billion children
between the ages of three and seventeen do not have access to the internet at
home. Lack of digital access can have profound impacts on school-age children,
preventing them from accessing the same opportunities and educational outcomes
as their connected peers.
Remote Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the disparities present in the digital divide became
extremely apparent as schools moved online. Students without reliable internet
access did not have the necessary resources to connect to remote learning
platforms. This made it difficult for some students to fully participate in their
learning environments.

In the United States, for example, nearly 55 percent of disconnected students came
from Black, Hispanic, and Native American households, despite making up only 40
percent of the general student population. Additionally, 50 percent of disconnected
students came from families with an annual income of less than $50,000 per year.

The digital divide had the most impact on children from rural areas in the southern
United States, affecting 40-50 percent of students in Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma,
and Mississippi. Approximately 25 percent of disconnected students did not have
reliable broadband access, and 60 percent of disconnected students could not
afford internet services or digital devices at all.

Access to Educational Resources

Reliance on digital technologies in education is becoming increasingly more

common. Many students need to use an internet-enabled device to complete
homework and research projects or attend remote classes. Colleges and universities
often require students to submit applications online, and students often need to use
the computer to research scholarships, prepare for standardized tests, and
complete other educational tasks.

However, some students lack access to the devices and infrastructure necessary to
interact with digital educational resources. As a result, they can struggle to
complete homework and fall farther behind in school than their digitally enabled
counterparts.

Schools and governments can take action to improve educational outcomes for
disconnected students. Aside from prioritizing broader digital access overall,
investing in digital technologies for students can have positive impacts. In fact, one
study of a Texas school district found that an increase in school district internet
access spending improved graduation rates by 4.7 percent.

Digital literacy is another important factor affecting the educational digital divide. A
student cannot adequately complete internet-based tasks without knowing how to
use a device and navigate a web browser. Schools may be able to alleviate literacy
issues by teaching students how to use digital devices from an early age. By
implementing computer classes and increasing ICT access at school, students can
leverage and develop digital skills even if they experience barriers to access at
home.

The Economic Impact of the Digital Divide

The digital divide can seriously impact economic opportunities for disconnected
individuals and geographies. Individuals who do not have digital skills may be
unable to obtain higher-paying jobs. Additionally, countries without stable
broadband access can face challenges to economic development. By investing in
widespread infrastructure and digital access, however, the digital divide can begin
to narrow and economic opportunities may increase.

Access to Job Opportunities

As of 2021, people were in the midst of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This stage
describes the ongoing automation and implementation of advanced technology in
manufacturing and other industrial practices. As a result, more and more jobs
require employees to hold digital skills. T digital divide can make it more difficult for
disconnected users to obtain employment.This gap is apparent for middle-skill jobs,
or jobs that require some training beyond high school but do not require a
bachelor's degree. Research shows that over 80 percent of middle-skill jobs require
a certain level of digital proficiency. Middle-skill and more advanced jobs often pay
higher wages than low-skill positions.

As a result, individuals who do not have digital skills lose access to valuable job
opportunities. Additionally, disconnected people are unable to participate fully in
the global digital economy and cannot participate in remote or web-based jobs.

These factors can perpetuate the cycle of economic inequality and lead to lower
earnings over time. However, digital skills training courses and internal upskilling
within organizations can help improve economic outcomes and alleviate these
disparities.

Barriers to Economic Development

ICTs have the potential to promote economic growth and social development. In
fact, a 2020 study examining digital technology in thirty-nine African countries
found a positive correlation between gross domestic product (GDP) and digital
adoption. Specifically, social media usage and the importance of ICTs to the
government's vision are significant for economic growth.

Research from the International Telecommunications Union shows that an increase

in digitization can have the following impacts on various regions.

In Africa, an increase of 10 percent in mobile broadband penetration can increase

GDP. by 2.5 percent per capita.

In the Arab states, a 10 percent increase in digitization can result in a 2.49 percent
growth in GDP by capita.

In North and South America, an increase of 10 percent in fixed broadband

penetration can result in a 1.9 percent growth in GDP per capita.

A 10 percent increase in digitization in Europe may result in a 1.4 percent growth in

GDP per capita.

In the Asia-Pacific region, a 10 percent increase in fixed broadband penetration may

result in a 0.8 percent growth in GDP per capita.

Investments in digital services and a digitally literate population have had positive
impacts in many countries, such as South Korea. However, not all countries have
had equal access to these technologies, resulting in barriers to economic
development.

How to Bridge the Digital Divide

The digital divide continues to have a profound impact on our society, and barriers
will likely deepen in the future. Governments, organizations, and institutions around
the world will need to develop solutions to bridge these inequalities and encourage
greater access to digital technology.

IEEE is searching for ways to alleviate the impact of the digital divide. The IEEE
Connecting the Unconnected Challenge solicits solutions from start-ups, nonprofits,
universities, and others to bridge the digital divide in innovative ways. To learn more
about the challenge and submit a proposal, visit this website.