The Digital Divide is a term used
to reference the gap between individuals who have regular access to technology
in the form of computers and their access to the Internet, and those who don't
have this regular access. The term Digital Divide was first used in the 1990s
and was widely discussed during the Clinton Administration in order to close
the gap. There are many ways to consider the Digital Divide, but it is largely
a separation of the haves and have-nots within the United States.
While technology and Internet
access has definitely increased in the United States in recent years, the
digital divide is certainly seen amongst the population. It is a fact that
poorer individuals can't afford to keep up with technological changes and schools
with less funding are less likely to have regular Internet access for students.
In comparison, middle to upper class families and schools can afford to have
the necessary income to keep up with technological changes both at home and in
school. Having this technological ability definitely gives the middle and upper
class a significant advantage over the poorer class that doesn't have the same
technological advantage at home or in their schools. Since there is a lot of
benefit to knowing computers and using Internet material, it is easy to see how
the Digital Divide causes certain social groups to stay poor and ignorant while
others have a clear advantage and more opportunities to advance in society than
others based on their technological benefits.
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