Is your child’s education one of your top priorities? If so, you’re certainly not alone.
After all, most parents do everything possible to give their kids every possible opportunity. Especially when it comes to keeping up with their peers. Unfortunately, not every child is blessed with the same resources, such as computers and mobile devices at home.
This unfair advantage is a reality of the modern world. But what exactly is the digital divide and why is it such a serious problem?
This article takes a look at the effects of the digital divide in the US and it impacts the educational system. Keep reading to get the inside scoop.
Types of Digital Divide
First of all, it’s important to understand that there’s more than one type of digital divide that impacts the average community in the country. They include the social divide, the gender divide, and the universal access divide. Let’s take a closer look at these three for a better understanding of how they influence internet access.
The Social Divide
Social divide refers to the way access to the internet impacts relations, both personal and social. Especially when it comes to people with shared backgrounds or interests.
Access to social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter enables groups to find each other, interact and build relationships that simply aren’t possible through any other means.
This means that non-connected people will miss out on this level of interaction and relationship-building.
The Gender Divide
The same is true for people of various genders. But a bigger issue between genders is the fact that not everyone can afford equal access to the internet or mobile devices. The simple reality is that men are far more likely to own a mobile phone and other forms of technology than women. This is an especially big problem in low-income communities.
The Universal Access Divide
It’s almost impossible to overstate the impact of internet access on individuals living with physical disabilities. These are people with the intellectual skills to use technology but are simply unable to expose themselves to the hardware or software necessary to connect with peers beyond their limited communities.
Other examples of the universal access divide include areas with significant illiteracy, lack of education, and inadequate broadband infrastructure.
What Causes These Types of Digital Divide?
The facts are actually pretty simple. The problem mostly boils down to income inequality, lack of education, geographical restrictions, and a general lack of digital literacy.
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Impact On Various Parts of Modern Society
So, what is the overall impact of the digital divide? Well, it means that people living in more affluent communities have greater access to the internet, including social media, and will thus be able to connect and share ideas that can expand their perspective on the world.
On the other hand, those who lack proper internet access have a far greater chance of being left behind, leaving them feeling alienated and unable to take advantage of opportunities that exist beyond the community where they live.
A Guide to Understand the Impact of the Digital Divide On Your Children
The internet is a tremendously powerful resource. That’s why it’s so important to have a clear understanding of how the digital divide impacts education and social development.
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