An Introduction to the Digital Divide
By: Sheraz Khan, Daniel Grieco, Robin Ha, Spiros Xanthios
The digital divide is the gap between demographics and areas that have access to modern information & communications technology from those who do not. The target audience that this infographic is focused on are high school students in Toronto who are in the last few years of high school. The importance of understanding this digital divide caters to educating and informing young academics on how the existence and absence of modern information & communications technology can thoroughly impact an individual.
High school students are typically 15–18 years old and with the technologically advanced world we live in today, social media plays a huge role into our lives. Throughout the different platforms, from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, LinkedIn etc., the idea of connecting with another individual has become easier by a click of a button.
The challenges and security issues that rise when the digital divide overtakes individuals in areas that do not have the opportunity to utilize the Internet is an important issue to be aware of. Especially for high school students that are going to be entering the post-secondary institution and soon into the workforce.
People who are affected include old, young, wealthy, poor, able-bodied, disabled, and individuals who live in rural or urban areas. 62% of households that make less than $30,000 use the Internet. Whereas 77% of older people require a walkthrough to set up a device. Also, 27% of disabled adults have never used the Internet. In the U.S., 75% of urban residents use the Internet compared to 69% of rural residents. 31% of the world does not have 3G coverage. 15% of the world has no electricity. In South Korea individuals pay as much as half of what Americans pay for Internet that is 200 times faster in speed.
The information this infographic provides includes which individuals are affected, where they are affected and how we can fix it. As young student leaders working towards a post-secondary education and building skill sets to bring into the industry, this information can help students innovate and create new ways on how to help. Overall, the positive impact this information that is being educated onto students can lead to a lower percentage of people worldwide that are disconnected based on a digital divide.
The infographic was created using Adobe Illustrator. We strove to educated students about the main groups who are digitally divided.
Information Sources:
Carlson, E. (2016, August 10). The State of the Urban/Rural Digital Divide.
Retrieved from https://www.ntia.doc.gov/blog/2016/state-urbanrural-digital-divide
Digital Divide: The Technology Gap between the Rich and Poor. (n.d.).
Retrieved from http://www.digitalresponsibility.org/digital-divide-the-technology-gap-between-rich-and-poor/
Poushter, J. (2016, February 22). Internet access growing worldwide but remains higher in advanced economies.
Retrieved from http://www.pewglobal.org/2016/02/22/internet-access-growing-worldwide-but-remains-higher-in-advanced-economies/
Rouse, M. (n.d.). What is digital divide? — Definition from WhatIs.com.
Retrieved from http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/digital-divide
Rust, E. (2015, June 29). How the internet still fails disabled people.
Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jun/29/disabled-people-internet-extra-costs-commission-scope
Smith, A. (2014, April 03). Older Adults and Technology Use.
Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/2014/04/03/older-adults-and-technology-use/
Smith, G. (2012, September 05). Internet Speed In United States Lags Behind Many Countries, Highlighting Global Digital Divide.
Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/05/internet-speed-united-states-digital-divide_n_1855054.html
Image Sources:
Raspberry Pi Logo — Wikimedia Commons
Google “G” Logo — Wikimedia Commons
Icon Sources:
“At” icon by Alena from thenounproject.com
“Balloon Party” icon by Shmidt Sergey from thenounproject.com
“Changing Station” icon by Jakob Vogel, from thenounproject.com
“Country” icons by Hea Poh Lin from thenounproject.com
“Disabled Access” icon by Ricardo Ruiz, from thenounproject.com
“Light Bulb” icon by art shop, from thenounproject.com
“Mind The Gap” icon by Luis Prado from thenounproject.com
“Old Man” icon by Hea Poh Lin, from thenounproject.com
“Poor” icon by Nicolas Vicent, from thenounproject.com
“Raspberry Pi B+” icon by fredley from thenounproject.com
“Tablet” icon by Arthur Shlain from thenounproject.com
“Urban Rural” icon by OCHA Visual Information Unit, from thenounproject.com
“Writing Letter” icon by hans draiman, from thenounproject.com