How was the digital divide created? Quite simply, the Internet evolved so quickly that those countries who could not afford to keep up with the constant changes were left behind, and hence the digital divide was born. The Internet began as a computer network linking employees of the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN). The World Wide Web was then developed by British computer-scientist Timothy Berners-Lee in 1989. Since then, the net has become a world-wide phenomenon and is still 'expected to do no less than virtually transform society.' (Hoffman et al, 2000) The Internet made way for the ‘Information Superhighway’ making it easier to communicate internationally for business, governments, schools and even private homes. The net ‘will transform our social, political and economic lives….the influence and importance of the Internet will dwarf that of the most important cultural influence of the past 50 years – television.’ (World Internet Project)
Over 43 million hosts are connected to the Internet worldwide, which makes the net ‘one of the most important communication innovations in history.’ (Hoffman et al, 2000) And in comparison to other technological inventions in history, the Internet is in its early stages of development and yet it has already dramatically changed the world. At first glance the net appears boundless, connecting anyone, anywhere. Although the net may have made many lives around the world a lot easier, the rate technology is evolving is so fast that some people, societies and even countries are getting left behind the modern technological world.
The digital divide has evolved for several different reasons. The first, and most obvious cause, is financial; without money, you cannot afford modern technology. But it is not only income that has created the divide, it is education, age, race and gender. Unfortunately, the Internet and other modern technologies are not available equally to everyone around the world. Just as there is discrimination in society there is also an inequality in technology. And as 'the internet races ambitiously toward critical mass, some social scientists are beginning to examine carefully the policy implications of current demographic patterns of Internet access and usage.' (Hoffman et al, 2000) Put simply, people are beginning to realise the long-term effects the digital divide will have on some societies. ‘It is essential that we understand how our world is changing and gather reliable information on that change and place it in the hands of the policy makers, business leaders and academics.’ (World Internet Project) And so as the digital divide has evolved, so too will solutions to help bridge the gap. Hopefully, in years to come the digital divide will evolve and then eventually disappear.
Links to Wiki Sites
Cultural Imperialism and the Internet
Links to Other Sites
European Oraganisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) is the world's largest particle physics centre where the Internet first began.
The Internet Society (ISOC) is a professional society, which addresses issues about the Internet and its future.
A Brief History of the Internet is a web-site by the Internet Society, which gives a background on the Internet and how it begun.
The World Internet Project is designed to watch the social, economical and political changes the Internet has on the world.
Hoffman, D, Novak, T, Schlosser, A (2000) ‘The Evolution of the Digital Divide: How Gaps in the Internet Access May Impact Electronic Commerce’, Vanderbilt University, viewed 8 September 2004, <http://www.ascusc.org/jcmc/vol5/issue3/hoffman.html#>
The Great Idea Finder (2004) <http://www.ideafinder.com/home.htm >, viewed 9 September 2004
World Internet Project (2004) < http://www.worldinternetproject.net >, viewed 17 October 2004
Katy Clarke 16:44, 20 Oct 2004 (EST)
