The digital divide is defined as the difference between those who have access to the Internet and technology the knowledge to use it effectively and those who do not. Recently, this gap is being closed, as Internet access is easier to obtain as well as less expensive. It has also become more accessible from libraries and restaurants. Just the same libraries are increasingly finding that even when they provide internet access, people still aren’t interested in using the library.
Recently, for example, Philadelphia considered closing all of their public libraries, but the Knight Foundation is working to establish libraries as centers for media and technology use and education. The goal of the foundation is to provide internet access for free as well as information on how to effectively use the internet for job hunting with job centers. Issues also arise when libraries provide internet access because of homeless people who use the computers but are viewed as threatening to patrons as well as people who look at pornography. Many restaurants now provide free Wi-Fi internet as long as you purchase something.
Overall, I believe the digital divide is rapidly closing. You can purchase unlimited Wi-Fi internet for approximately $25-30 a month. Even without this access in your home there are various options for obtaining internet access still available. Although inconvenient you can still go through dial-up and get 10 hours a month free from Juno like my parents. More realistically you can go to most public libraries, get Wi-Fi at school or work, buy something from McDonalds or many other restaurants, or even locate hotspots in public areas like parks in some counties.
Also according to statistics from June, 74.1% of the U.S. population is on-line. Worldwide programs like the $100 dollar laptops for children in 3rd world countries are helping bridge the gap, while countries in Asia and Europe have already surpassed the U.S. In terms of the gap between minorities as early as 2006, there was only a 13% difference between the number of whites online versus blacks.
As a college student access to free Wi-Fi is rarely an issue. For the rest of the population with a little effort you can find affordable internet access for their home or a place to go to get it for free. As far as learning how to use technology resources effectively, there are more and more classes for seniors on how to do so and usually everyone knows at least one person they can ask for help.
