Short on time? This page is the recap. For explanations and worked examples, use the full study guide.
Recap
- The digital divide is differing access to computing devices and the Internet, based on socioeconomic, geographic or demographic characteristics.
- It affects groups and individuals, and exists between and within countries.
- Parts of access: device, connection, cost, skills and support, suitability.
- It raises issues of equity (fairness), access (reaching services) and influence (taking part and shaping decisions), globally and locally.
- It is affected by the actions of individuals, organisations and governments.
- A good solution targets a specific barrier, names who benefits and states what remains.
Key relationships
| Idea | What to say |
|---|---|
| Equity | Fair opportunity: people are not disadvantaged by lack of access |
| Access | Ability to reach online services and information |
| Influence | Ability to take part in decisions and be considered in design |
| Solution | Barrier addressed + who benefits + who is still left out |
| Percentage without access | Number without access ÷ total × 100 |
Assumptions and conventions
- Percentages: give the working (count ÷ total) and check that groups add to 100%.
- Name the characteristic (socioeconomic, geographic, demographic) when describing a cause.
- Keep the discussion non-political: describe effects and options, not blame.
Mistakes to avoid
- Reducing the divide to “having a computer”.
- Suggesting a solution without naming the barrier it addresses.
- Claiming one solution fixes everything.
- Forgetting that people can be affected as individuals as well as groups.
- Forgetting influence (who is missing from decisions).
- Mixing up the percentage with and without access.
Two quick worked examples
1. In a survey of 80 households, 20 have no Internet. 20 ÷ 80 = 25% have none, and 75% have some access. A proposal to move a service online only would put the 25% at a disadvantage.
2. A library lends tablets with data plans to families. It helps families who lacked a device or the money for data. It does not help a family who live where there is no network signal, so the library might add a place to download materials at the library.
A revision routine
List the five parts of access (device, connection, cost, skills, suitability) and give one barrier for each. Then take a made-up survey of 200 households, calculate the percentages with and without access, and write one sentence each on equity, access and influence. Finish by matching three solutions to the barriers they address and naming who is still left out.
Quick self-check
- 30 of 120 families have no home Internet. What percentage is that? (30 ÷ 120 = 25%.)
- Name two characteristics that can lead to a divide. (For example socioeconomic and geographic.)
- Why does a free laptop not always solve the problem? (There may be no connection, cost barrier or skills support.)
Next: practice questions.