The digital divide has become increasingly present in today’s world as more people begin to gain access to the internet and the resources that come with it. For those without access to the internet, this divide is having an increasingly negative impact on their ability to grow and access opportunities at the same rate as their counterparts with access to the internet.
Thankfully, there are ways in which you can help bridge this gap and lessen the negative implications of the digital divide.
What Is the Digital Divide?
Those unfamiliar with the term may be wondering what the digital divide actually is. Put simply, the digital divide is a term that’s used to describe the disparity between those with access to the internet and other forms of digital technology and those without it. The digital divide has been observed in three forms:
What You Can Do to Help
Now that you’re aware of the digital divide, you may be wondering if there are any ways you can help. Luckily, there are things that you can do to help bridge the digital divide and help more individuals gain access to the internet. Here some things you can do to make an impact.
Support Political Initiatives to Increase Internet Access
As bad as the digital divide situation may seem, there are initiatives that aim to help bridge the gap. This includes legislations at the federal, state, and local levels. Some politicians have even attempted to provide free internet resources to local communities. Wherever you are, make sure to keep an eye out for initiatives like these and make sure to support them in any way that you can. The more people who are able to do this, the greater the chance of real change happening.
Support Programs That Promote Diversity
A large part of the digital divide is the lack of access to the internet that many people experience as a result of their background and social situations. Whether it’s college programs or large-scale businesses, organizations that promote diversity help to bridge the digital divide by offering more opportunities for growth and upward social mobility to those in need. By supporting these programs and organizations, you support more people gaining access to technology and the internet in an age when those have become some the most important resources to find opportunities.
Donate Your Old Technology
Many of us have a junk drawer full of old phones, tablets, or laptops. Instead of letting them just sit there, you can make an impactful difference by donating these items to those in need. Whether it’s to an organization or to someone you know, providing people with the technology to access the internet can help bridge the digital divide and give individuals more life-changing opportunities.
Spread the Word About Places with Free WiFi
Whether it’s a little coffee shop or a local library, almost every community has places that offer free WiFi. Unfortunately, many people may not be able to afford internet in their homes, so being aware of resources such as these can make a huge impact on those people’s lives. Whether you create an online forum or post flyers around your neighborhood, getting the word out about locations with free WiFi can help bridge the digital divide in your community.
Get Creative
The problem of the digital divide is a big one, and finding a solution is easier said than done. Luckily, you have the power to make an impact and help bridge the gap. Solutions start with people, and you have the power to come up with ideas of your own that can make an impact on your community and maybe even the world.
Create the World You Want to Live In
It’s easy to hope that a solution will just appear one day and bridge the digital divide. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like that’ll happen any time soon. Rather than just sitting back and watching, you can make an impact and do your part to help others and bridge the digital divide.
Whether it’s supporting helpful legislation or spreading the word in your community, you have the power to make a difference and help find a solution to the problem.
Guest Author Bio
Sarah Daren
With a Bachelor’s in Health Science along with an MBA, Sarah Daren has a wealth of knowledge within both the health and business sectors. Her expertise in scaling and identifying ways tech can improve the lives of others has led Sarah to be a consultant for a number of startup businesses, most prominently in the wellness industry, wearable technology and health education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life with a focus on making America a healthier and safer place for future generations to come.
Thankfully, there are ways in which you can help bridge this gap and lessen the negative implications of the digital divide.
What Is the Digital Divide?
Those unfamiliar with the term may be wondering what the digital divide actually is. Put simply, the digital divide is a term that’s used to describe the disparity between those with access to the internet and other forms of digital technology and those without it. The digital divide has been observed in three forms:
- The gender divide: It has been found that females are less likely to have access to the internet than their male counterparts.
- The social divide: It has been found that those in lower social class stratifications typically have less access to the internet than their counterparts in higher social class stratifications.
- The universal divide: This refers to the fact some individuals with physical disabilities may be unable to access the internet due to physical limitations.
What You Can Do to Help
Now that you’re aware of the digital divide, you may be wondering if there are any ways you can help. Luckily, there are things that you can do to help bridge the digital divide and help more individuals gain access to the internet. Here some things you can do to make an impact.
Support Political Initiatives to Increase Internet Access
As bad as the digital divide situation may seem, there are initiatives that aim to help bridge the gap. This includes legislations at the federal, state, and local levels. Some politicians have even attempted to provide free internet resources to local communities. Wherever you are, make sure to keep an eye out for initiatives like these and make sure to support them in any way that you can. The more people who are able to do this, the greater the chance of real change happening.
Support Programs That Promote Diversity
A large part of the digital divide is the lack of access to the internet that many people experience as a result of their background and social situations. Whether it’s college programs or large-scale businesses, organizations that promote diversity help to bridge the digital divide by offering more opportunities for growth and upward social mobility to those in need. By supporting these programs and organizations, you support more people gaining access to technology and the internet in an age when those have become some the most important resources to find opportunities.
Donate Your Old Technology
Many of us have a junk drawer full of old phones, tablets, or laptops. Instead of letting them just sit there, you can make an impactful difference by donating these items to those in need. Whether it’s to an organization or to someone you know, providing people with the technology to access the internet can help bridge the digital divide and give individuals more life-changing opportunities.
Spread the Word About Places with Free WiFi
Whether it’s a little coffee shop or a local library, almost every community has places that offer free WiFi. Unfortunately, many people may not be able to afford internet in their homes, so being aware of resources such as these can make a huge impact on those people’s lives. Whether you create an online forum or post flyers around your neighborhood, getting the word out about locations with free WiFi can help bridge the digital divide in your community.
Get Creative
The problem of the digital divide is a big one, and finding a solution is easier said than done. Luckily, you have the power to make an impact and help bridge the gap. Solutions start with people, and you have the power to come up with ideas of your own that can make an impact on your community and maybe even the world.
Create the World You Want to Live In
It’s easy to hope that a solution will just appear one day and bridge the digital divide. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like that’ll happen any time soon. Rather than just sitting back and watching, you can make an impact and do your part to help others and bridge the digital divide.
Whether it’s supporting helpful legislation or spreading the word in your community, you have the power to make a difference and help find a solution to the problem.
Guest Author Bio
Sarah Daren