There are some people who still don’t have regular access to computers and the internet. This is the first part of a GovGirl video series exploring the concept, and its challenges for government.
Please comment with your thoughts on why the digital divide sucks and ideas for addressing it. Some communities are meeting this challenge in creative ways. Is the Federal broadband initiative a step in the right direction?
Digital Divide Infographic (described in video)
Using my family as an example, I put together this hi-tech infographic to explain the problem with the digital divide. Watch the video for a detailed description.
Don’t forget to comment below!
I don’t see the Digital Divide narrowing anytime soon. The Federal broadband initiative may be a small step in the right direction, but, lamentably, it will not be enough.
Although improving the broadband infrastructure may be necessary in some areas, infrastructure (or lack thereof) alone is not the problem. Consider the high cost of acquiring/maintaining individual access to technology. Since you specifically mentioned smartphones in your video . . . how much does the typical, web enabled mobile device cost? Not to mention the (exorbitant) rates cell carriers and ISPs charge.
I think it is the high cost of the (consumer-side) technology, more than anything else, that has widened that chasm between the digital “haves” and “have-nots”. And since most everything in this country is driven by greed, it’s not likely that this will change in the near future. Yes, there may be isolated cases of corporate philanthropy, but it will never take place on the scale required to truly close the digital divide.
Neither have I faith that government, federal or otherwise, will interfere with the corporate, money-making machines of American enterprise. Need proof? Just look at the most financial mess and the “bailout” that ensued. ‘Nuff said.
Alas, it seems the digital divide is here to stay. I hate to sound like a pessimist, but I honestly don’t see that changing . . . short of a revolution. ;P
Thanks, RC, for taking the time to comment. You’re right, broadband infrastructure is only one part of the issue, given that citizens need to have the hardware and software to make the connection as well. Back in the day, my city could have possibly donated machines to the “have-nots” in our community. Unfortunately, budget cuts have forced us to all but eliminate the regular upgrading and cycling of our computers. We hold on to our machines until they break, and get new equipment only as more layoffs free up more machines. Ew, you’re making ME pessimistic now!
On the lighter side, other countries that are actually more saturated with smart phones than personal computers are taking great strides in connecting with citizens via mobile. I’m looking forward to learning more about this phenomenon at the Gov20a conference in Oklahoma next week. But you’re right, here in the US at least, cell data plans winds up pushing the price of mobile use up to $70 or $80 per month – which isn’t practical for the disenfranchised.
Can one solution for the digital divide be an electronic automated registration program (similar to our RenoDirect) used by any landline that would ask a series of questions and digitally upload the information into an application? I’m thinking similar to Vlingo for my smartphone that will take my voice and transcribe it into a digital email or text.
That’s certainly thinking in the right direction of creative solutions, Johnathan. Although, machine translation has it’s limitations, and the conundrum always is how can this IT solution be achieved when money well has been drained. Also, automated 1-way communication may allow citizens to complete job apps and register for classes, but it doesn’t offer the kind of engagement we’re seeing with government-citizens collaboration platforms, for example. I do agree that technology will somehow be a part of the solution, though.
How does the Digital Divide compare to the “Cable TV” Divide? i.e I’ve hade internet since 2005, but never had cable. And I’ve spent FAR less on my 5 computers and 16 years of ISP bills.
If the future of media is online, wouldn’t more people have access to the internet since their priority is passive entertainment?
Also, as more people become content producers as well as consumers that should solve the problem as well.
-M
Good. I would have liked a number figure (how many millions of people) for the amount without, instead of just a %. And an additional fact: How many ‘have-nots’ are children? Everybody will agree that kids without Internet are going to have problems later. It gets more folks attention when you focus there.
and,as GovGirl gets more viewers, you will begin to get more ‘mainstream’ viewers. Some of them are likely to jump on this post as ‘another liberal pushing for free Internet & computers for those too lazy to work for them’. Even though you did Not say that! Be warned.
I know that the problem is people like your mother, for example. She has a job, makes a little ‘disposable income’, but does not chose to spend it on a computer. And your brother, who lives on disability with Cerebral Palsy, simply cannot afford Internet access as another ever-increasing bill to pay.
How to reach those people is the question. How do you convince her that in today’s world a computer w/Web access is as necessary as a telephone? How do you get home access to him, a person that would benefit so much from faster access to the programs & information that is out there for him?
it’s a challenge, all right! keep focusing on it. Seems you have some pretty smart followers…
I think it goes even further then talking about broadband initiatives from local, state, or Federal organizations. Many of the technologies, tools, and other online services that many of use everyday and know have substantial benefits, are often clouded in “tech-like” terms or names which have no meaning and leaving people thinking, “What the hell is a twitter and why are you flickring stuff at people…that’s disgusting!”
When we talk about the digital divide we often, accidentally, assume that it means a generational divide (kids vs. mom/pop). While there is a generational divide in the understanding of the services available and the benefits to those, it’s much more than that (as GovGirl pointed out)…it’s really who has access and who doesn’t.
The digital divide is much more than just laying down pipe, and using innovative methods and hardware to get people connected. There’s an educational component that often gets overlooked. Education is key…doesn’t matter if you’re 102 or 2, if you’re not educated about how to use that access, or how to get to your local, state, or federal services…that digital divide will continue to grow despite connectivity initiatives.
Think about all the work and effort that the FCC had to do in order to get people to switch from an over-the-air antenna to a digital converter box just to receive new digitally broadcasted TV!? Even with all the flyers, emails, posters, signs within stores, company-based education initiatives, etc…there were still hurdles to overcome. With more and more services moving completely online, there’s a huge job ahead of everyone to educate and narrow that digital divide…at least enough so that people can cross it slowly and steadily.
That education isn’t just the Administrations responsibility either. It goes all the way down from organizations and governments to webmasters and supporters of technological changes and improvement. Education is key. Education at all levels…whether it’s a developer showing someone how to use text messaging on their phone and why that might be more beneficial than calling someone…or how to renew your registration through the DMV site without having to stand in line for 3 hours (and saving that time for doing other things with your family or even catching up on that soap opera you missed).
Education is key…at all levels. Digital/broadband initiatives will get us 1/4 of the way there…the other 3/4 is education. That’s how we narrow that digital divide, but never really close it.
Thanks for your input, Scott. Indeed, education is a critical component, at all levels of the process. If citizens don’t know WHAT they can do online, and HOW to do it, they may never change their behaviors even if the resources are there.
Frankly, its up to us, the citizens.
Because I believe our non-representative and inefficient government (at all levels) has sold us downriver, I am on the BoD of a local community cooperative, working to bring broadband (fiber) to the home.
We are working with local businesses, school districts, the local hospital and community groups to raise awareness and funding.
You need big pipes…not just in big cities…for a true participatory democracy.
Mark, I’m a citizen AND I work for government.
It’s great that you’ve organized with local organizations to meet this need. But ALL government doesn’t suck in this arena. For instance, the City of Philadelphia used millions of federal funds and partnered with community organizations to bring free computer use, internet access and web training to their city with an awesome partnership concept: http://www.freedomringspartnership.com
That is a great example of public/private partnership to be sure…
I guess I should have been more clear…the digital divide I am looking at is between urban, suburban, semi-rural and rural.
The large telcos and cable companies will only build infrastructure where there is massive density as that is the only way to support their revenue/cost/profit model.
In that sense, the federal government has sold us down the river as deregulation has not had the intended effects…if one is outside any sort of city, then its up to the citizens to make it happen as local governments cannot or will not do so.
While there are many reasons to live in a city, there are just as many reasons not to…one could argue its a choice in a free world…but why did America push for rural electrification?
Bottomline, I think open-access, community-owned broadband is the way to go…make the content providers bid for access and you’ll see some significant price reductions. I, for one, do not like to have content packages thrust upon me for corporate profits sake…all comments on the quality of the programming withheld…=8-)