As we have experienced, the Internet and its related technologies has a dramatic

Question

As we have experienced, the Internet and its related technologies has a dramatic impact on the nature and quality of our lives. As Internet users, we have vast amounts of information literally at our fingertips. We can communicate, collaborate, and transact on a global scale in ways that were unimaginable only a few years ago. But even in a society as technologically advanced as we are, there are still a large number of those that do not have access to this technology, don’t have the skills to use it or refuse to utilize technology for other reasons. As you approach this assignment, think of those affected by the Digital Divide more broadly than the traditional angle of “who has and who has not”. Briefly describe the traditional definition of the digital divide. What is it and who is affected, positively and adversely? Briefly describe the traditional definition of the digital divide. What is it and who is affected, positively and adversely? How does the digital divide affect those without access to technology? How does the digital divide affect those that lack understanding of these technologies? Does access to technology and having the skills to use them necessarily mean that they will be used? Why might someone reject technology even if they have the necessary skills and access? Do you think the understanding and use of technology required to be a successful member of society? Give your reasoning.

Explanation / Answer

As the name suggests, digital divide is a term that explains the gaps between two groups of societies one who have access to all the modern information and communication technologies and the other who are deprived of these facilities. Clearly, it adversely affect the group who are deprived of the Internet and communication technology. In the modern era, a single and simple task cannot be imagined without the use of the technologies that are continually making our lives convenient and an easily accessible, at hand and creating a wide number of opportunities for us. So, the people to whom these technologies are still not available are suffering a great deal and they are missing out significant changes that our society has gone through. It is difficult for them even to exchange information that are critical and vital either because of the geographical location or the education and other social background. The positive effect on the other hand are so many that one can sit a day long but still can't completely describe them. We have transformed machines into intelligent machines, we have innovations like 4G or 5G technologies, that makes our life super smooth and fast. Direct communication from even the space is being possible.

The people without the access to the technology are like those who have lived in the modern era, but never felt that. There is a bridge between these two kind of people. No new innovation can reach them or rather, when it does, it is out of date. For example, there still are people who get the latest news only via a newspaper and there are others who have news on their fingertips wherever they need it.

For some other people the case might be different. They are willing to use these technologies and it might be available to them as well, but they are not literate enough to handle it. This issue, however can be overcome easily by giving them proper guidance.

The access to technology and skills to use them doesn't necessarily imply that it will be used. Some people are orthodox kind and they are not convinced about use of such technology. For example, online money transactions are still not very widespread and even well educated people sometimes avoid them. Some people are still not going with online shopping and they prefer it in malls.

The understanding and use of technology definitely helps you be a successful person in the society. However, the technology shall be used wisely and for the benefit of the society and not for other means.

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