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The digital divide is not just about access to technology. It is also about culture within organisations or communities that hinders a group from moving forward and becoming an information technology generation (Roach, 2000). The Internet and related information technologies hold the promise of rapid, sustainable economic growth that directly benefits everyone on the planet (TRY TO AVOID OVER_GENERALISATIONS LIKE THIS - adam). These same forces could also exacerbate social and economic disparities. The potential growth or damage this may create depends on how companies approach sustainability and the deployment of technology across markets, cultures and continents.
Behavioural attitudes towards technology adds to the digital divide that is present in many undeveloped countries. Some of the misconceptions that are present are that computers are for “brainy�? people, for males, for the young, are difficult to use or belong to a middle class “white�? culture (Cullen, 2003). In a study of rural communities not using the Internet in New Zealand it was found that the major reasons for lack of internet usage was due to a concern of lack of security of personal information and that computers were “unsafe�? for families because of the unsuitable material that was easily accessible (Cullen, 2003).
In cultures that place high values on oral culture, personal communication and strong family and kinship networks, often the use of computers for communication will not be a high priority (Cullen, 2003). Some of these barriers may apply to strongly networked cultural minorities, indigenous groups emerging from an oral culture, non- literate communities throughout the world and low socioeconomic groups of developed nations. While access to technology influences how minority groups approach, behave and use the net, the gap in income and educational levels does not fully account for differences in attitudes and usage patterns. Culture plays a powerful, defining role in shaping the digital divide (Ebenkamp, 2001).
The prospect of a growing "digital divide" between poor and rich countries may present an opportunity to improve productivity and economic growth. Cultural initiatives designed to stimulate information communication technologies used in developing countries is a step forward in bridging the divide.
Internet cafés are a primary method of Internet access for many people in developing countries. However, regulations may make it more expensive for the cafés to operate, which would, in turn, raise prices for consumers. On the other hand, regulations restricting direct competition for consumers by Internet service providers and keeping their prices high could also induce entrepreneurs to establish Internet cafés thus diversifying the culture divide.
Cullen, R. (2003) “The Electronic Library�? vol.21, iss. 3, pp247
Ebenkamp, B. (2001) “Divide and culture�? Brandweek vol. 42, iss.5, pp.16-18
Roach, R. (2000) “HBCUs Strategize on Ways to Close Digital Divide on Their Campuses: Slow Adoption of technology by faculty seen as barrier�? Black Issues in Higher Education vol. 17, iss. 20, pp 42
Wallsten, S (2005) “Regulation and Internet Use in Developing Countries�? Economic Development and Cultural Change vol. 53, iss. 2, pp 23
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