What is it?

The idea of the "digital divide" refers to a division between people who have access and use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) and those who do not. (van Dijk [2020] - opens in a new window). This technology can include the telephone, television, personal computers, and internet connectivity (digital broadcasting, email, search engines, e-commerce etc.).

In an increasingly digital world, access to technology and the internet means access to opportunity. ICTs offer many advantages: greater access to information, cost reduction in the labour sector, greater connectivity between people, etc. However, digitalisation is not happening equally all over the world. As technology evolves, so does the gap between the demographics and regions likely to have the most vs the least access to said technology.

The word "divide" itself implies a distinct separation between those who have complete access and those who have none. This is misleading as most of the population falls somewhere in between these two extremes, having access in one way or another and using digital technology to a certain extent. (van Dijk). Despite the popularisation of technology and the mass production and distribution of electronic devices and internet access, the divide remains. As do the reasons behind it.

• Access (or economic) divide refers to the potential that people have to access digital resources. This is where socioeconomic differences between people, communities and countries come into play. Digitization requires costly investments and infrastructure for underdeveloped regions and rural areas. Not to mention the inherent costs that come with purchasing, subscribing to, and operating various technologies on an individual level.
• Usability divide refers to the skills and training involved in the handling of technology, or the lack thereof. For example, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) states that there are 40 countries in which more than half of their inhabitants do not know how to attach a file to an email. (Iberdrola - opens in a new window)

These barriers are typical of others along axes of marginalizations such as race, gender identity, sexuality, disability, class, age and others. They can take form of things such as: not being able to apply for certain jobs they otherwise qualify for, participate in social activities, utilize online banking or healthcare resources, and present difficulties in completing school assignments which require access to digital technologies.

Providing access to digital infrastructure and the internet, and breaking down the barriers to digital skills means not being left behind in a world where so much of life – learning, working, commerce, and healthcare – happens online. The opportunity to innovate, create, and unlock new economic opportunities has never been greater, thanks in part to technology and global connectivity. But for billions of people without access to our digital world, that’s not their reality today. (World Economic Forum - opens in a new window)