The Digital Divide: How The Internet Bridges The Gap Between Economic and Social Inequality
In 1995, there were 16 million people using the internet. By 2000 there were close to 400 million internet users, and in 2015 there were up to 3.2 billion people connected to the internet. That is almost half of the world’s population online even though the world wide web only became accessible to the public less than 35 years ago.
In 2017, the average American spent nearly 4 hours per day accessing the internet on their mobile phone. Certainly, the proliferation of smart phones and the internet has transformed the way we communicate, do business and get information. Despite this, nearly half of the world’s population has been left behind.
The progress of a country is directly related to the number of people that have internet access. In developed countries, the percentage of individuals using the internet is 82.2% while in developing countries this number drops to 30.3%.
Developing countries have a difficult time of getting people online due to the price of connectivity. However, mobile broadband has become a huge factor in getting more people online. Not only is it 1.7 times cheaper than fixed-broadband but it is much more convenient and affordable for people to use their phones to get connected. If the price continues to decrease, then more people can afford to be connected. This will have a massive impact on a country’s economy.
Internet access enables people to access information with a click of a button. Before the internet, people would have to go to a library to learn something. Now, whether you’re a student or not, all you need is a smartphone and internet access. The internet also allows you to use various communication networks and expand your circle. People who you never knew about and ideas you would never have thought of are now within your reach. The internet has let people share their stories and ideas with the entire world. It has transformed the way people do business and let education become accessible for anyone with access to the Web.
Having a more connected population increases the chances of people finding a job that suits them best and helps them expand their network. It gives them an avenue to see what is out there or even build their own business. The more entrepreneurs and employees a country has will ensure a greater economy.
In a study by McKinsey in 2011, the internet accounts for 21% of GDP growth in mature countries from 2007–2011. For every job lost, it creates 2.6 new ones and increases productivity in small and medium business by 10%. It allows these companies to grow over twice their size compared to those who do not take advantage of Web technologies.
The potential of the internet in developing countries is unlimited. The opportunity to share information has never been easier. By 2020, more than half of the world’s population will own a smartphone. As of March 2017, two of the most popular app stores, Google Play and Apple’s App Store had a total number of 2.8 and 2.2 million available apps. The internet has potential to be the great equalizer. It can give every individual the opportunity to learn about anything they desire and help their lives for the better.