Throughout this blog, I have repeatedly mentioned the speed with which technology is constantly changing and developing. As technology changes and develops, the digital divide is bound to change as well. An article on USA Today’s online website acknowledges that there is already a “new” digital divide that differs from the divide I have discussed in previous posts. This online article, written by Jesse Washington, suggests that phones are one element of technology that is greatly changing the definition of the digital divide in our country. While the digital divide may be changing, it is far from ending.
Washington’s article states, “as mobile technology puts computers in our pockets, Latinos and blacks are more likely than the general population to access the Web by cellular phones, and they use their phones more often to do more things” (Washington, 2011). This increasing use of cells phones with internet access is where the “new” digital divide begins to emerge. Washington’s quote suggests that while blacks and Latinos have often been statistically on the less plugged-in side of the digital divide, when it comes to internet cell phone use, they have more access. However, while blacks and Latinos are increasing their use of the internet through these phones, some researchers “have noticed signs of segregation online that perpetuate divisions in the physical world. And blacks and Latinos may be using their increased Web access more for entertainment than empowerment” (Washington, 2011). If blacks and Latinos are using their access to technology for “entertainment” instead of “empowerment”, then they are still on the losing side of the digital divide. The digital divide is more than just access to technology; it includes access to the benefits technology offers in terms of academic and economic mobility and success.
The article references Anjuan Simmons, an engineer and technology consultant who is well plugged into the digital world, and his “[hope] that blacks and Latinos will use their increased Web access to create content, not just consume it” (Washington, 2011). Creating content implies being actively involved in the realm of technology. Using technology to further oneself academically and economically presents opportunities to not only use technology, but to contribute to its growth and development. The education system needs to prepare students to use technology for success rather than sheer entertainment. It is easy to consume the information on the Web, to surf the internet and shop online, but it is a far more rewarding experience to actively engage with the Web and the reap the educational and economic benefits it can offer.
While cell phones do provide internet access, having and using a computer is still important for equalizing technology use. Washington quotes a Pew research specialist, Aaron Smith, to further this point. Smith states, “research has show that people with an actual connection at home, the ability to go online on a computer at home, are more engaged in a lot of different things that people who rely on access from work, a friend’s house, or a phone” (as cited in Washington, 2011). Creating and updating a resume, and finding online tools to that offer hints about how to do that, is an example of a task that is easier from a computer instead of a mobile device. Phones are convenient for entertainment, but it is important to realize they are not a substitute for having access to a computer.
Finally, the article quotes Peter Chow-White, an author and assistant professor, who said, “As long as you have structural inequalities in society, you cannot expect to have anything less than on the Internet…The Internet is not a separate space from the world, it’s intricately connected to everyday life and social institutions” (as cited in Washington, 2011). To ensure equality, social institutions, like the education system, need to prepare students equally. The education system needs to focus more attention on teaching students to be comfortable with technology, and it needs to stress the importance technology can have on the academic and economic success.
"Ritmo Records owner Miguel Amador meets with customer Ramon Corona in one of his two stores in Camden, N.J. Five years ago, the majority of his revenue came from music CDs. Now his mobile device sales are up 50 percent from last year" (Washington, 2011).
Reference: Washington, J. (2011, Jan.). For minorities, new ‘digital divide’ seen. USA Today. Retrieved from http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2011-01-10-minorities-online_N.htm .
Cell phone image from chinacellphones.net
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