This article starts out by introducing the concerns India has in Information Technology, which is widening the gap between the privileged and underprivileged population. A claim being that internet capabilities are far and few between and that while 429 million people are online globally, with 41 percent being those in America, with Canada and Europe falling not far behind. The digital divide exists between educated and uneducated people, developed and developing counties as well as economics contributing to those who have internet capabilities.
People need to be aware that there are societal implications when dealing with the digital divide, such as computer literacy, the use of electric data interchange, uses of information (gathering), working knowledge of English and tech savvy operations. It is written that the digital divide is an 'amplifier of economic and social divides that exist universally.'
When focusing on India and the reasons for such a vast digital divide compared to other countries there are numerous of reasons like electricity (lack there of), internet industry, IT penetration and telendensity. India has put methods into action, issuing government policies, technology options, satellite technologies and wireline technologies.
It is certain though that if we as a whole society wish to close the digital gap that the world needs to collaborate as whole to help countries that are behind with internet capabilities to make sure that no one is left out of some of the benefits that are attained from using technology and the internet.
Do you believe countries that do not have technology or the internet, should be given internet capabilities to close any societal gaps, as well as academic gaps? And if so, who do you think should step in and help developing countries attain the internet?
I think it would be difficult for all countries to attain the internet. First of all some countries simply lack the money, who would pay for the internet then? Second, some of these countries would need to be taught how to operate the computer and the programs that go along with it.
ReplyDeleteThe internet is an extremely valuable tool and those with access should consider themselves lucky. Although it would be nice to level the playing field so to speak, I don't know who would step in to close this gap. In most areas of the world there are more important things going on; poverty and war are occurring more often than we think. Also, these developing countries should probably establish stability (with or without help) in terms of food production and other infrastructure before worrying too much about catching up with other technologically advanced nations.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if we should be helping other countries with this when there are so many more immediate issues like housing and hunger even in our own country. I think technology may potentially help these other countries and that if anyone is able and willing to donate and contribute it's wonderful. Ultimately it is the responsibility of everyone to help those that need it and it's up to the countries that are behind to want the change.
ReplyDeleteWhile we are a very lucky country and have many advantages, it isn't necessarily our right to give other countries access to the internet or other tools. Some countries may not even want this type of access for their countries (depending on their government). Without sounding selfish, we also have a lot of issues here in our home country that need to be addressed such as starvation and homelessness.
ReplyDeleteRachel
I think if all countries could get the internet, that would be awesome. The gaps that the article talks about are definitely issues to think about, but we need to think realistically as well. There is a lot of money needed to get countries that don't have it water, food, and especially electricity, which internet would not be possible without. Internet is extremely important, but before we get there, we need to establish the basics first.
ReplyDeleteI think that it would be nice if all countries could benefit from having the internet in more ways than just closing societal and academic gaps. I don't know who could give them the resources that they need to get the internet, learn it, and use it. Most countries are suffering in terms of money so they would not be able to finance it.
ReplyDeleteI believe all countries should have access to the internet. It is a valuable resource, and teachers use it often for material. Governments and others should step in and do something.
ReplyDeleteI think that everyone should have access to the Internet. It is a great source of information, communication, and entertainment. Maybe with the use of the internet these undeveloped countries could become developed, and would not be in that situation anymore. I feel that donations could help this happen.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be great if everyone had access to the Internet. It definitely would bridge some of the gaps but I don't believe that giving everyone access to the Internet should be the number one priority of this world. There are many more important problems than people not being able to use the Internet. Thus, I think it would be great, but I don't think it is an urgent problem that would fix all of the worlds problems.
ReplyDeleteEvery child deserves to have internet access. Open communication is necessary for having peace and equity, and the internet is our best tool for communication. Problems cannot be addressed if the people being effected have no way of getting heard. Propaganda is less powerful when you can also see the other side's propaganda. It is hard to hate a nation of people when one of them is just saved you from being eaten by a cyclops in your favorite online game. Also, computers are useful in education.
ReplyDeleteBut computers are expensive, clean water and such comes first, and every nation has its own problems as well. So access for everyone probably will not happen soon.
Any country that has internet capabilities should lend a hand to countries that do not. If the division of help went by percentages of capability and number of people who already can use the benefits of computers, it seems that the US would be at or near the top of the list. The countries with the strongest abilities should give the most. Every decent citizen should have the right to benefit from the internet regardless of government, poverty level, or global location.
ReplyDeleteI think we should help close the technology gap with other developing countries. I feel that we could learn so much about other people in other places and how they are evolving. Closing the gap would let the people from those countries be able to give there insight on a number topics.
ReplyDeleteI think that it would be great if everyone had access to the Internet and all it has to offer; however, I think that before the government spends millions to billions of dollars helping people get access to the Internet, they need to focus their money and resources on more pressing matters. If people do not have food, shelter, basic education (How to read), etc. getting access to the Internet doesn't seem like a high priority.
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