Digital Divide

Education - I believe that this one of the most harmful aspects of the digital divide; not having technology to meet the needs of EVERYONE in school. Since we know that having at least basic computer skills is a requirement for nearly any job in our country, it is terrible to realize that some people don't have access to the internet and or a computer because of funding. In the past 5 years federal and state funding (pretty much across the board) has dramatically declined, therefore schools in rich neighborhoods with wealthy parents get to benefit from new technology and the internet, whereas schools in more working / middle class or poorer neighborhoods usually get little or not computer experience. It is unacceptable that we continue to segregate our schools like this, especially with technology since none of these students will be prepared for using a computer in the work force or college.

Government - I think the most unreasonable part of the digital divide and government has to do with filing taxes. Most people today do file their taxes online, which is great if you have a computer in your home, but if you are not living with a computer in your house, then your forced to file your taxes on paper because most labs won't let you sit at a computer for hours and most people wouldn't want to enter personal information onto a public computer.

Health - Health is definitely one of the more scary aspects of the digital divide. Not only does this divide in technology effect singular people, but it can also effect an entire community, for example, a hospital. Hospitals in poorer neighborhoods or towns definitely have older computer systems or still using a paper filing method which makes sorting documents and paperwork much more difficult. Mixing up paper work has the biggest retribution when its in a hospital.

Entertainment - Obviously we know that people without the internet do not have access to downloading or sharing music and media online. However besides the luxury of not being able to download music you already know, without the internet its really hard to find new music. A few decades ago, people used to listen to the radio or watch music videos to find new music, however now a day (especially in the independent music scene) the internet is the only way to find and sample out a new band you would otherwise never hear. I think this is a saddest part about everyone not having access to a computer.

Work - Computers are integrated into nearly every work place nowadays. From cash registers to actual programs and applications on computer for retail or business function, you cannot really work for any employer that doesn't use computers. Not having the skills to know how to use a computer will extremely prohibit you from either doing your job properly or even getting a job in the first place.