The Digital Divide in the U.S.

Imagine not having a personal computer with Internet access and being a college student? Doing online research for school papers and doing school assignments in general would be rather difficult. We sometimes do not appreciate the opportunities that the computer and the vast network of information, otherwise known as the Internet, provide us with; the capability that it has to empower us as members of society.

Recent studies suggest that a new digital divide is growing in U.S. society. In an article by Matt Hamblen called, “FCC says 93M in U.S. lack broadband, digital divide grows,” Hamblen writes that a survey by the FCC “Shows that cost and lack of digital skills are the main reasons a third of Americans do not get high-speed Internet connections at home.” As the article details, job competitiveness relies Americans to have the skills and means to fully participate in the digital economy, and access to the Internet is certainly a substantial part of that.

Although economics may seem like the obvious reason as to why one may not have access to broadband, but digital literacy and relevance are also crucial factors. Those without the knowledge may feel hesitant to go online as they lack the digital skills or are concerned about the hazards of going online. They may be unfamiliar with how secure their personal information may be online or they may fear being exposed to inappropriate content. Others may feel that going online is a waste of time because they lack search engine skills, which hinder them from finding content that interests them. This is why social capital plays a vital role in convincing one to gain access to broadband. Having a friend or a relative that is willing to provide one with useful information on how to use the Internet and benefit from many applications that prove helpful in everyday life is important for someone to make the transformation.

Having access to the Internet alone is not enough to fully utilize its contents. Some may simply use the Internet as a means of entertainment; failing to use it as a means of empowerment. However, that is difficult to control as it is ultimately up to the individual and his or her values to make that determination. It is also important to note that the U.S. could help the public in terms of access to broadband networks by practicing what other countries have successfully accomplished: open access. Open access ultimately leads to greater competition, higher speed availability, and lower prices to consumers. It can be argued that the existence of open access would greatly reduce the excuses one can have on not utilizing the vast information network, otherwise knows as the Internet.