Random Thoughts on the Digital Divide

Digital Divide, (n.) The gap between those with Internet access and those without.

• It is a prevalent problem for policymakers in developing countries -- That a substantial portion of their population is without any access to the Internet, or even a functional computer.

• Why is it a problem -- The trends are unmistakable and inexorable. During the past 20 years, most of the successes from the private sector involve IT in one way or another.

• Jobs and survival therefore, require IT skills that only access to computers and the Internet can deliver.

• Eventually, it will become a matter of real survival. Basic services and simple transactions might migrate to advanced forms of ICT.

• But people have survived for millions of years without computers and the Internet, right?

So enter the...

Digital Un-divide, (n.) The illusory gap between those with Internet access and those without.

• Critics of the Digital Divide paradigm say that the concept is merely illusory.

• As time passes by, it's not that technology will become too complicated for non-literate persons to use. On the contrary, it will become simpler and more robust, making tech illiteracy irrelevant.

• Case in point: mobile phones. Ubiquitous, easy to use, and increasingly more capable, these can provide communications and Internet access to even the most remote islands. So there's no need to spend vast sums on cable-laying and other infrastructure projects when all you need is a cellphone signal and a working cellphone.
  

• Another criticism is that the digital divide is also by choice.

• Some people simply do not want to use computers or the Internet. Not only because they are old and afraid to, but also because they can live without it. Old alternatives still exist, and it's just fine with them.

• Case in point: Japan. Yes, the country that we would least like to associate with the phrase "digital divide" has its own digital divide. Why? Because of the second point. We can live without the Internet, doumo.

So that's it. I still think that the digital divide is a serious problem our society is facing in this age, the Internet is indeed a powerful tool for education and communication.

But before we close the gap, we must first determine who needs the Internet, and what for.