What Is the Digital Divide? The Importance of Digital Technology

The digital divide refers to the line between those who have access to a broadband internet connection—as well as other crucial information and communication technologies (or ICTs) like fiber optic cables, mobile phones, and laptops—and those who do not.

Decried by organizations as diverse as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), US Department of Commerce, International Telecommunication Union, and United Nations, the digital divide affects people of various nationalities, ethnicities, and other groupings. Perhaps most prominently, those without access to these technologies subsist at lower income levels than those who do have access.

The disparities brought on by the digital divide (or lack of internet capabilities) manifest themselves in a litany of ways. Here are just three to take into consideration:

• Between groups: Various demographics have different levels of access to the internet and other digital tools. Low-income households are disproportionately unable to access the internet. Internet use and access is also far more prevalent among white people than Black, Latinx, or Indigenous people. There’s also a global gender gap when it comes to digital inclusion, with men having more access to the internet than women by and large.
• Between locations: Urban areas generally have better access to high bandwidth Wi-Fi than rural areas do. Within these urban areas, neighborhoods and school districts with higher degrees of wealth have greater access to necessary digital technologies than those with lesser amounts.
• Between nations: Western countries have far greater access to internet service providers (ISPs) and digital tools than those in many other regions of the world. The global digital divide prevents equal access to online resources for people of all countries and people groups.

The digital divide has concrete implications for the world as a whole. Consider these three reasons it has a detrimental effect:

1. 1. The digital divide closes off job opportunities. Digital skills are a necessary set of capabilities for employment in many of today’s jobs. As such, internet users and those with plenty of technological know-how have a leg up in competing for the high-paying, innovative jobs of tomorrow. Those with limited access to the internet are at an inherent disadvantage and will require empowerment to compete.
2. 2. The digital divide prevents connection. Without broadband access and reliable internet connectivity, people have far less of an ability to connect with others than the rest of the world. As more and more services move online—including healthcare—it’s essential people have the ability to connect with others for both essential and nonessential reasons. For example, a person with a disability might have a hard time heading to the doctor physically—internet access could remedy this situation due to the advent of telemedicine.
3. 3. The digital divide stifles education. Digital literacy is necessary for both in-person and distance learning in the world’s current education system. More and more schools require students to turn in their homework online or conduct research via the internet. This can present educational problems for underserved communities of a lower socioeconomic status, as they have a lower likelihood of access to information technology.

The digital divide is daunting, but it’s possible to address it. Here are three approaches different institutions are taking to achieve the goals of digital equity and universal service:

1. 1. Business contributions: Companies create new technologies all the time—and they also innovate ways to spread those technologies to more people more affordably. Through private initiatives or partnerships with governments, various businesses are doing their part to ensure everyone has access to high-speed internet and any additional technological advancements as well.
2. 2. Government action: Federal, state, and local governments act to increase the affordability of broadband infrastructure and internet connection across the globe. Some might primarily use subsidies to entice private businesses, whereas others might work to provide public low-cost or free broadband to lower-income citizens themselves.
3. 3. Private philanthropy: The private sector also works to improve digital access for those who need it through charitable giving on an individual level, as well as through broader nonprofit initiatives. By providing home internet access to low-income families and individuals, they reduce digital inequities and lay the groundwork for both the current and next generation to flourish.

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