Andrea Zweifel
IELP / PSU Speakening and Listening 5

What I will talk about
Definition of digital divide
Extent of digital divide
Reasons for digital divide
g
Impact of the web
Attempts to bridge the digital divide

What is Digital Divide?
Definition: „Troubling gap b t
D fi iti T bli between th
those who use
h
computers and the internet and those who do not“
(Bharat Mehra, 2004)
Mehra
Gap refers to physical access to technology as
well as to resources and skills for usage
g
Imbalances can be caused by factors such as
gender, age, education, income, ethnic groups,
disabilities, location
Domestic vs. global digital divide

Digital divide in the US
73 % of all Americans 18 years or older
are online
but only
35 % of the people 65 years and older
53 % of people who have only high school
education or a household income of less
than 30,000 $ per year
59 % of African Americans
63 % Americans who live
in rural areas
Source: Pew Internet & American Life Project, April 8—May 11, 2008 Tracking Survey.

Global digital divide
World Regions Our Home Countries
Countries Internet Penetration
Rates
Japan 73.8 %
USA 72.5 %
South Korea 70.7 %
Taiwan 67.2 %
Germany 63.8 %
United Arab
Emirates (UAE) 49.8 %
Saudi Arabia 22.0 %
China 19.0 %
Libya 4.2 %
Source: www.internetworldstats.com

Reasons for digital divide
Drivers of Internet use: Restrictions of some
undemocratic
income regimes:
i
enabling infrastructure
cost of access restricting access
restricting content
dependency threatening to arrest or
policymaking in the ITC- imprison those who access
sector and market unauthorized information,
democracy
d mobilize people or express
social relationships unpopular opinion
Source: Guillen (2006):
Explaining the Global Digital Divide

Impact of the web
Expand access to better quality
education and healthcare
Improve transparancy and efficiency of
g
government
Reduce poverty for neglected groups
Introduce economic opportunities
Open dialogue with others to share
knowledge
k l d
Offer more participation in politics and
society

What can be done to overcome
the digital divide?
Provide access to technology
gy
Make
M k people understand b
l d t d benefits
fit
and how to use technology
Help people with special needs

Final thoughts
Picture: Edward Mujumbe, 18 years from Tansania