Sunday, January 20, 2013
A Closer Look at the Digitial Divie
Pew Internet published a report in April 2012 by Kathryn Zickuhr and Aaron Smith that provides wonderful insight into to the topic of the digital divide: Digital Differences
The report found that age (over 65), income, and educational attainment are the strongest negative predictors for internet use. I found the most striking information in the report to be that 1 in 5 Americans today do not use the internet, and they state the biggest reason is because they don't think it is relevant to them. It's pretty startling to think that 20 percent of our country has voluntarily disenfranchised itself from the information age!
The report also provides insight about the types of devices individuals use to access the internet and the role disabilities play in accessing the internet. The report identifies "email and search" as the most common reasons individuals access the internet.
I believe these statistics are critical to any discussion we have about the digital divide. In an earlier post classmates express frustration over the "insufficient knowledge" so many individuals have about how internet technology can benefit them. I think this report provides some perspective as to why access, income, and age are contributing to this "insufficient knowledge".
It's certainly true that public internet access is available to masses through libraries, eateries, and even mobile devices. While access is available to all through these gateways, it does not guarantee that everyone has a positive experience. Those with means might have as many as 5-10 different devices to access the internet: personal computer, work computer, mobile phone, tablet, gaming device, etc. All provide a different experience for email and search functions. I think ownership of one of these devices allows an individual to reach a certain comfort or expertise with their device. They can use them when they want and where they want. When you are borrowing, renting, or making substantial efforts to use resources, I can understand why folks might struggle to gain knowledge.
These statistics provide evidence that we still have great to close the digital divide.
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ReplyDeleteHarry,
ReplyDeleteI researched this as well this week and all have made valid points. The bottom line seems to be availability,and knowledge base. The divide is somewhat age based, however, seems to be socioeconomic as well.
Sue
Yes. Lots of issues to sort out, huh?
DeleteAll right, I hate the idea of posting a link to Wikipedia, but.... Strauss & Howe have developed the concept of generational theory which might interest a few of you. Their first book, Generations, lays out the framework, but other books exist as well.
ReplyDeleteHere is the link to wikipedia to provide a quick overview: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strauss-Howe_generational_theory
Books that may interest you:
Bonner II, f. A., Marbley, A. F., & Hamilton, M. F. H. (2011). Diverse millennial students in college: Implications for faculty and student affairs. Stylus Publishing: Herndon, VA.
Delcampo, R. G., Haggerty, L. A., Haney, M. J., & Knippel,, L. A. (2011). Managing the multi-generational workforce: From the GI generation to the millenials. Gower; burlington, VT.
Housel, T. H., & Harvey, v. L. (2010., The invisibility factor: Administrators and faculty reach out to first-generation college students. Brown Walker Press.
Howe, N., & Strauss, W. (2007). Millenials go to college. Paramount Market Publishing:Ithaca, NY.
Lipkin, N. A., & Perrymore, A. J. (2007). Y in the Workplace: Managing the "Me First" generation. Career Press: Pompton Plains, NJ.