The digital divide refers to a lack of internet access for
certain groups of people. More specifically, people of color, of low
socioeconomic status, older people, income levels and people who have less
education are all affect by the digital divide. Research has shown that these
groups are less likely to use the internet. These are all factors of the
digital divide, but I am going to focus on education levels. Perrin &
Duggan (2015) states, “educational attainment has been one of the strongest
indicators of use” (p. 5). And, honestly this makes sense. It may be that
people who have attained more education use the internet more because they have
more of a use for it in their everyday lives. Furthermore, their jobs may
require internet use more so than jobs attained by people who have
attained less than a college degree (not always). For example, a person with a Bachelor’s
degree in Education who currently has a career as a teacher may require more
use of the internet than a person who is currently working as a fry cook at a
fast food restaurant. Teacher’s jobs demand use of the internet in ways such as
taking the attendance of the students present in their classrooms or even
returning emails. Additionally, since some occupations require internet use,
they are more likely to bring work home with them and need the internet in
their homes. On the other hand, it makes sense that jobs where people have no
high school diploma have little or no internet access. I had a job during my
undergrad that had wifi throughout the building but they only had one computer
in the employees lounge. There was only one computer for over a hundred
employees.
Another thing that I thought about is that people with
college degrees typically (not always) make more money than people with some
college, a high school diploma, or no high school diploma. Therefore, they may
be more likely to have devices outside of a cell phone such as a laptop or a
tablet that is capable of connecting to the internet. Furthermore, their income
can afford them wifi in their homes. Wifi is an extra bill. So, like I said
earlier on it makes sense for people who have a higher degree and who may make
more money to have more access to the internet.
Lastly, people with a college degree or higher may just have
more of an interest in using the internet. Or, just may be more accustomed to
getting information through the internet. I am currently working on my masters
degree and I have had to use the internet all the way through high school,
college, and now graduate school. Not only am I accustomed to getting my
information that way and the convenience of it. I also have an interest in
using it because I can find information on whatever topic I need it for.
Whether it be a scholarly journal or a new recipe. Whenever I want to know
something, I pull out my phone or my laptop.
It is very interesting how all of these different factors
play into the use of the internet. I had never thought of who has access and
who doesn’t until I started working in schools. Anyway, I am curious to know
what you all think of the digital divide as it applies to educational
attainment. I am looking forward to reading your replies!
