The digital divide

The digital divide

Ict has transformed the way we lived. It has brought enormous, educational, social and economic benefits to those who have it. In Africa it is estimated that in July 2005 less than 1.8 percent of the population used internet, in contrast 68 percent in north america.

This graph shows that the developing country internet usage is slower than western society this could be because of economic factors.  Rich nations can bridge physical obstacles, and for examples take electricity, takes electricity across the mountains and ravine, whereas this may be low priority of for poorer nations. Furthermore economic factors alone do not determine the extent of the digital divide. If there is no steady electricity supply it is not easy to use the digital technologies that are so reliant on. 

This is a map showing internet usage percentage in the united kingdom. It shows you that the south of England have a higher percentage of internet usage, whereas the north have a lower percentage. This could be because the north of England is not as rich as the south. 

Why is there a digital divide?

Economic prosperity is a major factor if a country has a modern technologies in society. A poorer country will be more concerned than survival rather than modern technologies. A developed economy can afford to devote energy and resources to research new developments in technology and has the affluent customers to purchase the new digital economies. On the other hand a poor economy has a poor technological infrastructure, which makes it difficult for them to improve their technology. Furthermore rich countries can bridge physical barriers, for example takes electricity across mountains and ravine, whereas this may not be a priority for a less economic developed country.