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What role does the digital divide play in perpetuating poverty and social inequality?

Johanna Tersay

The digital divide plays a massive role in perpetuating poverty and social inequality. In today's society, technology is a fundamental aspect of many sectors of the economy, education, healthcare, and social interaction. Access to technology allows people to connect with others, acquire new knowledge, access resources, and opportunities to improve their overall quality of life.

However, not everyone has the same access to technology, or the internet, which creates a digital divide between different social and economic classes. As a result, people who do not have adequate access to technology cannot benefit from the potential advantages of the digital world. This exacerbates the existing social inequality and reinforces the characteristics of poverty.

The disadvantaged groups that are most affected by the digital divide include those living in rural communities, low-income families, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. For instance, communities that live in remote regions may find it hard to get access to broadband internet connectivity due to technological, geographic, and infrastructure challenges. Moreover, individuals with disabilities may face challenges leveraging technology due to lack of accessibility features integrated into technology.

Moreover, the digital divide contributes significantly to limited access to job opportunities, and educational resources. It creates disparities in incomes, which makes it hard for low-income families to spend on high-quality internet access, devices, and other necessary technology. As a result, individuals from low-income households may have constricted access to various opportunities that require knowledge, skills, and access to the internet.

Furthermore, the digital divide reduces the ability of marginal communities to participate in policy-making and decision-making processes. The internet has become the main platform for people to engage in dialogue, raise concerns, contribute to discussions about policies, and share ideas. Without access to reliable, affordable, and enduring technology, individuals living in marginal communities are excluded from accessing this important platform.

In conclusion, the digital divide is a significant phenomenon that affects people's lives daily. It perpetuates poverty and social inequality by excluding those who face economic and social barriers to access to technology from the advantages of the digital world. The impact of digital divide intensifies the challenges faced by low-income families, elderly individuals, and those with disabilities. However, bridging the digital divide could help reduce the social inequality and enable more people to access education and employment opportunities. Governments, private sectors, and communities need to come together and address this issue by providing a comprehensive and sustainable solution to ensure all individuals have equitable access to technology.