Contents |
While there is no precise definition of the digital divide, one common feature includes differential access to various forms of technology particularly the Internet among various demographic groups around the world (Lindsay, Poindexter, 2003).
Those in other nations such as the Caribbean, Africa and Latin America do not have the same access comparable to the United States. This is due to the lack of infrastructure and a network that is not capable of supporting the same level of Internet use as developed countries.
A report prepared by the U.S Department of Commerce, “Falling through the Net: Toward Digital Inclusion�? said that in the United States, African-American and Hispanic households continue to experience the lowest Internet rates in the country (Lindsay, Poindexter, 2003).
The report revealed that 23.5 percent of African American households had Internet access in 1999 which had doubled from 11.2 percent in 1998, while Hispanic households had 23.6 percent. At the time the report was issued, Asian Americans led racial and ethnic groups in terms of households with internet usage with 56.8 percent, followed by European-American households with 46.1 percent.
Geography also plays a role in relation to racial access, with minority groups in urban areas having a slightly higher percentage rate of Internet usage over minority groups in rural areas. African-American usage is 24 percent and Hispanic usage is 23.9 percent in urban areas, compared to 19.9 percent for both groups in rural areas (Lindsay, Poindexter, 2003).
A study performed by Pew Internet and American Life Project in 2000 found a significant difference in Net usage between racial groups. The study found African Americans were 69 percent more likely to listen to music, 45 percent more likely to play a game and 12 percent more likely to browse for fun compared to Anglo Saxons. It was also found that they were nearly 40 percent more likely to search for jobs and 65 percent more likely to seek religious information. Anglo Saxons were slightly more likely to search for financial information and they purchased more products online. They were approximately equal in obtaining political news or information (Schweikart, 2002). Contrasting African Americans and Anglo Saxons use of the Net with Asians it was found in the study that they were more likely to obtain news, download music and acquire political information (Schweikart, 2002). These studies have found that members of racial and ethnic groups use the Internet differently. The patterns of technology use across racial and ethnic groups are not uniform. Ethnic groups have had different paths to economic success. For example Asians have focused on mathematics and engineering (Schweikart, 2002).
Lindsay, B. and Poindexter, M. (2003) “The Internet: Creating equity through continuous education or perpetuating a digital divide?�? Comparative Education Review vol. 47, iss. 1, pp. 112-124
Schweikart, L. (2002) “Race, culture, and the “digital divide�?�? Ideas on Liberty vol. 52, iss. 5, pp 44-47
Main Page Digital divide
