What is the Digital Divide?
Investopedia says, "The digital divide refers to the gap between demographics and regions that have access to modern information and communications technology and those that don’t. Though the term now encompasses the technical and financial ability to utilize available technology—along with access (or a lack of access) to the internet—the gap it refers to is constantly shifting with the development of technology."
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), " The Internet threatens to magnify the existing socioeconomic disparities, between those with access and those without, to levels unseen and untenable. Therefore, urgent actions are needed at the local, national, and international levels to bridge the global digital divide."
The digital divide refers to the unequal distribution of technology and access to the internet between different population groups, often based on factors such as income, race, and geography. This can result in disparities in the ability to use technology and the internet for education, employment, healthcare, and other essential services.
The digital divide can have a significant impact on individuals and communities, leading to decreased opportunities and exacerbating existing social and economic inequalities. Efforts to bridge the digital divide involve providing access to technology and the internet, as well as digital literacy training, to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in the digital world. It is important to address the digital divide in order to create a more inclusive and equitable society.