The issue of inequality has dominated public discussion and concern for centuries. A history of combating this problem has lead to great strides in establishing equal treatment and opportunities for the fellow man. This progression is acknowledged and reflected upon; however, inequalities still exist.
The modernization of society has influenced a shift in inequalities that can be observed through the opportunity and ability to use technological systems.
Over the past two decades, disparities between advantages afforded by information and communication technologies have raised great concern among interested groups. The hefty obstacles of unequal opportunity and ability to use technological communication systems, otherwise known as the “digital divide”, concurrently challenge the economic development in countries with greater populations of non-users.
As technology activists race to develop more innovations, hurdles will impede the balance between advancements and equality across a diverse, worldwide population.
In order to bridge the gap between those who have and have not, we must understand the reasons and affects of the digital divide; additionally, we must brainstorm strategies and implement policies that aim to provide vulnerable populations with access to such communication devices.
In Blurring Lives and Livelihood, Jonathan Donner explores modern-day issues of the digital divide. According to Donner, “There is enough evidence linking mobile use to productivity and economic development to bring us to…the questions of access and affordability.” With current research support, we can unpack the reasons behind the digital divide: access and affordability. The patterns of technology diffusion have influenced the adoption of 4 billion mobile subscriptions; but even with the pervasiveness of these technologies, a vulnerable population of non-users exists due to lack of access and/or affordability. Donner claims that “economic constraints” and “physical isolation” are common, negative forces that influence the adoption of communication technologies.
Through understanding the roles of access and affordability, we can explore the affects of the digital divide. Who is most affected by digital divide? Unfortunately, the poorest populations—which are in most need of socioeconomic development—suffer the most from lack of access and affordability. Even though this population could improve and flourish from positive outcomes of communication technologies, they are less likely to adopt such devices.
Dr. Royal Colle, former Communication professor at Cornell University, has devoted much of his career towards ameliorating disparities linked to lack of access and affordability. He spends an extensive amount of energy and effort attending to a specific need: meeting the challenge of the digital divide. Dr. Colle claims that deficient access to communication technologies can negatively affect the development of economy, agriculture, and education among more vulnerable populations. If people are given opportunities to use and understand the capabilities of communication technologies, they can build the knowledge and skills required to improve productivity. In an example provided by Dr. Colle, a farmer in Zambia used the Internet to research agriculture commodities. As a result, he learned about sunflower seed cultivation and began a successful operation. In Zambia, corn is the primary commodity grown because it is familiar; farmers are not aware of other opportunities and do not possess the knowledge to pursue other agriculture ventures. With access to the Internt, farmers can contribute to their country’s socioeconomic development.
As more policy makers, country leaders, and researchers become aware of the digital divide, we can explore potential policies that will meet the demand of existing inequalities. Dr. Colle suggests there are three characteristics crucial to effective policy. First, communication technologies must be attractive to the non-user. Second, motivation to gain skills and knowledge must be present. Third, active learning through practical application must take place. It is now in the hands of those able to assist in the promotion and implementation of policies, which aim to improve the access and affordability of communication technologies.
I think you raise interesting points about the digital divide and availability of technology to users in third-world countries. I agree that it's essential that people in these countries gain access to such technologies. As you said, there will be inherent challenges in making them more universal in third-world countries, but I also believe that these challenges will not be incredibly difficult to surmount. Both mobile and computer technologies have developed enormously in the past twenty, ten, or even five years - mobiles have become increasingly smaller, portable, and capable, for example - and that has resulted in their becoming more affordable and widespread; in other words, letting events take their natural course, as opposed to specific policy, may play a more significant role in the increasing use of mobiles.
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