Mind the Gap

How does advancement in technology contribute to the digital divide? Much of the current research around communication technologies discuss how exciting it is for people to be able to come together in new ways. But it seems to me that we have overlooked the divide between rich and poor, as Thussu touches on, as well as the technologically skilled versus unskilled as mentioned by O’Neill (which in turn increases the gap between rich and poor as these technologies are leveraged to a competitive advantage). This may be dismissed as a developmental phenomena, that as developing nations “catch up” in terms of available technology, the divide will begin to lessen once again. On the other hand, if this gap can be seen in America’s workplace, how is it affecting nations whose pace with technology is even further behind? Think about it. The obvious example is the computer use at work, with skills ranging from “Where is the ‘on’ button?” to “I will write a new program with html code”. If the levels are this broad at your downtown DC location, then how can we possibly expect disadvantaged nations to ever converge?

So now we must consider what can be done to help ease this divergence. This is critical in new emerging markets in Asia, especially with the use of smart phones to access the internet. Known as the “Internet’s new billion”, from the BRIC countries plus Indonesia, the online population is expected to double by 2015. Radio Australia had an interesting segment earlier this month on how the government is reacting in Indonesia. Of those who are connected, 60% are under 35 and literacy rates are above 90%. But currently, internet connectivity is only at 17% throughout the nation. So the government is trying to reach out to the rural areas, recently spending $40 million USD to connect villages to broadband. They are hopeful that today’s usage is an urban phenomena, but eventually the gap can be lessened with both mobile phones and netbooks, giving the rural population greater access to information that will be beneficial for their livelihood.

I am cautiously optimistic about the ability to lessen the digital divide. The Indonesian government has stepped forward to take action to bridge the disconnect. This is definitely a step in the right direction. However there are still many countries far behind in internet connectivity, specifically African nations. On top of that there is the tricky issue of what regulations should be put in place regarding content and use and the even bigger issue of who controls the internet (which I may discuss at a later date). With more users online these questions become not only more complex, but also imperative for governments to address, for the well-being of their citizens as well as its implications for international relations.

All data from the Radio Australia broadcast, “Asia to Change the way the Internet is Used”, September 3, 2010. Available at http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/connectasia/stories/201009/s3001665.htm.