Blog 7: Digital Divide
The Digital Divide:
Can We Close the Gap?
The digital divide is the gap between those who have reliable access to technology, such as personal computers and the Internet, and those who do not. Today, technology has become a major part of society, being used for almost everything: school, work, communication, and even healthcare. The world has rapidly transitioned to technology over the past few decades, and while most people have adapted, many remain left behind, creating real disadvantages for those without reliable internet access.
A more recent example of these disadvantages occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, when almost everything moved online, including learning. To keep students in their studies without interruption, many schools moved to online learning, but students with unreliable internet access were left to fend for themselves. As a class, we witnessed this in the video about Coachella Valley, where some students, because of their unreliable internet at home, were forced to take drastic measures to attend classes, like sitting in parking lots just to connect to WiFi. I was a high school student during the pandemic and experienced these internet issues myself, sometimes needing to travel to the nearest Starbucks parking lot just to turn in an assignment. These situations showed us not just the importance of reliable internet, but how much we as a society depend on it.
In the United States, internet access has grown over time. However, there are still major gaps. According to Risa Gelles from Pew Research Center, "With the internet becoming more and more central to Americans’ daily lives, nine-in-ten U.S. adults now say they go online every day. This includes 41% who report using the internet almost constantly" (Gelles, 2024). The internet is not just a tool anymore; it has almost become a part of us, a vital organ that our body needs to function. Gelles went on to discuss how people with lower incomes are more likely to be smartphone-dependent and that people in rural areas are less likely to subscribe to high-speed internet at home. Without reliable internet pr access to personal computers, it can be much harder to find jobs, complete assignments, or access important information or articles online, proving that this is an issue that we need to acknowledge.
The digital divide will not be easy to close, and much effort will be needed to do so. By expanding reliable internet to rural and poorer communities, more people could have access to these advantages. To make the internet a more affordable commodity, programs could be implemented for lower-income households. Community centers and schools could also provide access to computers and digital education.
The digital divide is not just a small issue; it really matters because technology has become such an important aspect of everyday life. Helping more people gain access to the internet and digital devices can help bridge the gap and ensure everyone has equal opportunities.
References
Gelles, R. (2024, January 31). Americans' Use of Mobile Technology, Home Broadband. Pew Research Center. Retrieved March 12, 2026, from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/01/31/americans-use-of-mobile-technology-and-home-broadband/
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