2. What is the digital divide?
The Digital Divide is the gap between those who have access to
technology and those who do not. This gap means that not
everyone has the ability to use and have access to technology.
Not only based on their skill levels but based on their income
levels.
3. Issues surrounding access
There are several issues surrounding access namely: the socio-
economic divide, divide in infrastructure, divide in content,
gender divide, skills divide and the universal access divide.
4. Ramifications of the digital divide
There are several consequences to occur with the digital divide,
namely thee effect it has on: knowledge capital, social capital
and human capital.
5. Knowledge Capital
Definition:
Knowledge Capital refers to the skills and knowledge of a
businesses employees as well as their experiences with the
business.
The Digital Divide can have an affect on this as the divide
restricts the capabilities of the businesses employees. The
employees of the business will have restricted access to
information which will reduce their skills and knowledge. This
limits the employees experience of the business.
6. Social Capital
Definition:
Social Capital refers to the ways in which a society communicates
with one another.
The Digital Divide will affect the way in which a society operates
on a daily basis. Those who do not have access to technology will
not be able to communicate with others with ease. However,
those who have access to technology become so consumed in
using it that they become more drawn away from society.
7. Human Capital
Definition:
Human Capital is both the physical and intellectual skills of an
individual as well as their experiences they posses.
The Digital Divide will affect Human Capital as a lack of access to
technology results in an increase in unemployment. Not everyone
will have the resources to gain skills needed for employment as
well as being aware of employment opportunities.
8. Solutions to Access Issues
• Cheaper alternative forms of technology can be provided for.
• Infrastructure can be set up in rural areas to be used by the
locals.
• Township visits whereby the locals are introduced to
technology and taught how to use it.
• Subsides can be provided by the government in order to reduce
the income gap for the affordability of technology.
