To what extent has new media created a digital divide?
Cambridge
O level and GCSE
2023
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Free Essay Plan
I. Introduction
A. Definition of "new media" B. Thesis statement: The extent to which new media has created a digital divide
II. Arguments for a Digital Divide
A. Cost disparities B. Global access gap C. Range and quality of access D. Social capital benefits E. Educational disadvantages F. Generational differences in usage G. Employment barriers H. Social media inequalities I. Digital exclusion in the pandemic
III. Arguments Against a Digital Divide
A. Training opportunities B. Global digital initiatives C. Government and private sector efforts D. Falling costs of new media E. Ubiquity of technology F. Digital fluency G. Social media usage among older adults H. Increasing adoption of technology
IV. Conclusion
A. Summary of arguments B. Reiteration of thesis C. Possible future developments
To What Extent has New Media Created a Digital Divide?
The rapid proliferation of new media, encompassing the internet, social media, and digital technologies, has undoubtedly revolutionised communication and access to information. However, this digital revolution has also sparked debates about the emergence of a "digital divide" - unequal access to and usage of these technologies. This essay will argue that while new media has contributed to a digital divide, particularly concerning cost, global reach, and social capital, initiatives aimed at bridging this gap are underway.
Arguments for a Digital Divide
One significant factor contributing to the digital divide is the cost of accessing new media. Computers, smartphones, and internet services remain expensive for low-income households, limiting their opportunities to engage with the digital world. This disparity in access can exacerbate existing inequalities, as individuals with greater financial resources can capitalise on online educational resources, job opportunities, and social networking platforms.
The digital divide also manifests globally. People in developing countries often lack the infrastructure and resources to access new media compared to those in developed nations. This disparity reinforces existing power imbalances, as access to information and technology becomes concentrated in specific regions. For instance, the One Laptop per Child initiative, while well-intentioned, highlights the vast discrepancies in access to even basic computing devices in many parts of the world.
Furthermore, access to new media can enhance social capital, as described by sociologist Pierre Bourdieu. Individuals with robust online networks can leverage these connections for personal and professional advancement. Conversely, those lacking access or the skills to navigate the digital world may find themselves excluded from valuable opportunities, further marginalising them within society.
Arguments Against a Digital Divide
However, it is crucial to acknowledge efforts aimed at mitigating the digital divide. Government schemes and private initiatives have sought to provide affordable or free internet access and devices to disadvantaged communities. Additionally, educational institutions and community centres offer training programs to enhance digital literacy, particularly among older generations who may not have grown up with these technologies.
Moreover, the cost of new media technologies has generally decreased over time, making them more accessible to a broader population. The increasing affordability of smartphones, for example, has enabled a wider demographic to connect to the internet and participate in the digital sphere, even among economically disadvantaged groups. As technology continues to advance and become more affordable, the digital divide is likely to narrow further.
Finally, it is essential to recognise that mere usage of new media does not necessarily equate to digital fluency. Many countries are investing in "digital educators" within schools to equip young people with critical thinking skills to navigate the complexities of the online world. This suggests that simply providing access to technology is insufficient; fostering digital literacy is crucial for ensuring equitable participation in the digital age.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while new media has undeniably created a digital divide, particularly in terms of cost, global access, and its influence on social capital, it is not an insurmountable chasm. Initiatives focused on providing affordable technology, digital literacy programs, and government interventions all play a crucial role in bridging this gap. As technology continues to evolve and become more integrated into our lives, addressing the digital divide is paramount to ensuring an inclusive and equitable digital future for all.
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To what extent has new media created a digital divide?
Possible answers:
Arguments for:
- Cost – the cost of computers and the internet makes them less affordable to the lower classes, resulting in other classes making more use of new media.
- Global – poor people and those in developing countries have less access to new media compared to those in modern industrial societies.
- Range – individuals with more financial resources and in specific locations have access to a wider range of new media products and services, perpetuating global inequalities.
- Social capital – access to new media allows individuals to enhance their social capital (Bourdieu), while those without it are at a disadvantage.
- Education – not all children have access to new media, putting them at a disadvantage when it comes to internet-based tasks, research, or software.
- Usage – older generations not accustomed to new media find it more challenging to use compared to younger digital natives, contributing to inequalities.
- Employment – disparities exist in jobs that necessitate knowledge and proficiency in new media and digital technology, with younger individuals more likely to secure these positions over the older generation.
- Social media – the significance of social media in today's culture plays a central role in people's daily lives. The lack of access to apps or participation in online activities decreases cultural capital, perpetuating inequalities.
- Digital exclusion – the digital exclusion gap has widened during the Covid-19 pandemic, affecting different generations and disadvantaged social groups.
- Any other reasonable response.
Arguments against:
- Training – many educational institutions and organizations offer courses in digital technology and new media for older individuals.
- Global initiatives – various projects aim to reduce the economic and global digital divide, such as the One Laptop per Child initiative targeting children in developing countries.
- Government schemes – numerous governments and private companies have distributed new media technology to disadvantaged social groups to bridge the digital gap.
- Falling costs – in modern industrial societies, the costs of new media have decreased, making content and technology more accessible to all.
- Technology for all – research shows that new media technology has become commonplace in modern industrial societies, regardless of economic status. For instance, homeless youths often own smartphones and are adept at using them.
- Digital fluency – mere usage of new media does not equate to proficiency, leading many countries to introduce 'digital educators' in schools to enhance young people's understanding of technology, suggesting that the digital divide might be a misconception.
- Research indicates that older users are actively using social media platforms like 'Youtube', hinting that the digital divide may not be as prominent.
- There is a noticeable increase in the adoption of digital technology among older individuals in modern industrial societies, primarily driven by communication.
- Any other reasonable response.