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Problems with the digital divide
Problems with the digital divide
Problems with the digital divide
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The Digital Divide Digital Divide is often described as the gap between those with access to technology (e.g. computers and the Internet) and those who have not. It is a social and political issue that started since the early 1990’s and is believed to have grown over the years. There is also such thing as “Global Digital Divide”, and this refer back to the gap between developed and developing countries. At present, programs such as BBC’s Computeraid try and help solve this social problem by donating computers in rural areas and helping educate people. Digital Divide isn’t just about the access of people to such facilities but also described as the differing levels of IT skills within the society. Digital Divide is often referred back to the haves and have-nots, also known as the rich and the poor. In earlier years, they have been described as the middle and working classes, although these sectors vaguely exist in the society at present. The haves are people who can afford to buy these new technologies such as compute...
In his essay Mobile Phones, Digital Media and America’s Learning Divide, Professor S. Craig Watkins discusses the different ways that digital media affects the learning divide between middle and low-class students and also students of different races, ethnicities and cultures. Watkins’ purpose in writing this essay is to show how mobile phones are closing the learning divide as well as the digital divide. He uses facts and research that he has gathered as a member of the MacArthur Foundation’s research network on Connected Learning to back up his statements and improve his credibility as an author.
In “‘Plug In’ Better: A Manifesto”, technology writer and commentator Dr. Alexandra Samuel states that she believe that there is a middle ground between completely “plugging in” and “unplugging”. She states that we should approach our online interactions in the same ways we approach our offline ones. In “Attached to Technology and Paying a Price” (part of the New York Times’ “Your Brain on Computers” series), journalist Matt Richtel details technology’s effects on an actual family and recounts their experiences. Although Drs. Restak and Samuel are both widely respected in their individual fields, Mr. Richtel’s journalistic career has been almost exclusively devoted to studying technology’s impact on our lives and attention, and his views are voiced loudly throughout his work, even though they are not explicitly stated.
As this critical juncture begins to take place, there has been much debate between scholars as to whether we should be enthusiastic or wary of these new changes. In Digital Disconnect and in his lectures, McChesney observes both views in an attempt to advance the discussion. On one side, the celebrants are embracing the Internet as a medium that will change society for the better. In Digital Disconnect, McChesney says, “In sum, the celebrants reaffirm one of the most important original arguments from the 1990s, that the Internet will be a force for democracy and good worldwide, ending monopolies of information and centralized control over communication” (McChesney 8). In my opinion, this celebrant view should only be regarded as a best-case scenario because of the unexpected obstacles for society that can...
The topic of technology and our society has become a very controversial subject today. Many people believe that technology is an essential component of our modern world, helping us to improve communication from farther distances as well as giving us easy access to important information. On the other hand, there is the opinion that too much technology is affecting social interactions and our basic development. “Technology…is a queer thing, it brings you great gifts with one hand, and stabs you in the back with the other.” (Carrie Snow.) The CBC Documentary “Are We Digital Dummies” displayed the pros and cons when it comes to modern technology that we use in the western world everyday.
After much thought and research, the digital divide is a massive issue not just in Detroit, but across the country and even the globe. It is a problem we may never overcome, but if we all come together and deal with this issue as one, we can see this divide shrink more and more in the future. Detroit is one of the biggest cities most affected by the digital divide. These facts may explain why Detroit has the highest poverty rates in America because internet access has become just as important as any other utility such as water and power. In today’s society, access to the internet is required to accomplish just about anything, whether it is paperwork or educational purposes such as school. Unfortunately, only 62% of Detroit residents have access
Digital revolution is exponentially accelerating the productivity of various outcomes in the society and also transforming the employment and economy of the world. In recent times, innovation in technology is inadvertently becoming the cause for chronic unemployment which in turn is drastically affecting the median household income. This book discusses such trends and outcomes in general and offers solutions to the problems faced by present and future generation of workers. Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee have discussed effects of machines on wealth distribution, economy and employment in a crisp, strong and insightful way.
Surveying the Digital Future: How the PC and Internet are changing the world. (1999, June). Los Angeles, CA: UCLA Center for Communication Policy.
Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "Will Smart Phones Eliminate the Digital Divide?" The Journal (1 Feb. 2011).
Computers are everywhere, and they are used for everything, and in every type of business have we become too dependent on computers?
At just a quarter of a century in governing regulations, listening to complains and making recommendations, while maintaining the standards of the laws of Jamaica as it is concerned with the media. There is one inevitable aspect the Broadcasting Commission has to continuously keep abreast with, and that is change.
Life without technology, is that even possible? In today’s time, we as a society have become mentally and physically engrossed in technology. Whether it is an iPhone, iPad, or iMac, we are engaging in digital technology as an escape from the outside world. Sherry Turkle, a psychologist and professor at MIT, now the author of Alone Together: Why We Expect More From Technology and Less From Each Other, has been studying how people and digital technology get along for thirty years. She suggests that digital technology is seductive because it serves the purpose that we never have to be alone. We constantly have that ability to interact in a way that makes us feel comfortable. Turkle explains the paradox of technology well; how it can compare to some real life emotional bonds but on the other hand can just be too much.
Even though information communication technology and the internet provide vast, novel and exceptional opportunities for development of humanity and empowerment in a wide range of areas starting from business, education, and health sectors they are also one of the major aspects toward economic and social discrepancies across a variety of social and economic groups (Primo, 2003). Gender divide is, in particular, one of the main inequalities to be augmented by the extensive advancement in technology. All over the globe women are faced by numerous, economic, social and cultural challenges that hinder their right to use as well as benefits from information and communication technology. Primo (2003) points out that increasing the comprehension in addition to awareness of these obstacles, but most importantly of the benefits associated with the use of information and communication technology, are significant strategies aimed at linking the gender technological divide and as well towards transforming it into technological opportunity. If women are involved and engaged in the ICT sector on an equal base with men, this would lead to improvement of the livelihood of people and make it more sustainable, and as a result enhance the social and economic progression of societies. Due to the fact that women make up the largest economic workforce of both developed and developing countries, devising a solution to various issues affecting women in reference to access to and use of ICT would be beneficial to economies of these countries (Primo, 2003). Though the ease through which advancement in technology can transmit and distribute information for purposes of development is well known, women’s access to various technological gadgets cannot be presum...
Digital Era is also known as ‘Information Age’, or ‘New Media Age’. Digital Era helps to create knowledge based society surrounded by high technology which helps individuals to explore their personal needs. In the
the actions of the analytical engine were to be done through the use of punched
Writing Prompt: In an age of information, are Americans more or less literate then they used to be? Persuade the reader to agree with the paper's position while exploring the consequences of this trend. With advances in technology, more and more people are becoming digital literate. What is "digital literacy"? Research and define this term, and decide whether or not this is a necessary skill in today's society. Be sure to support your opinion using researched facts and thought out reasons