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Digital Divide


            
             The digital divide problem is still quite rampant, and is one concerning both developed and undeveloped countries. In recent times, however, its focus has shifted from an access issue to other factors such as education, income and age. While the quantity (access) gap is narrowing, these new factors have brought about a broadening of the quality divide issue. A series of local and international programs have been put in place to curb is problem. .
             Introduction.
             New technologies affect the distribution of social advantage, and can potentially alter social hierarchies. The diffusion of the Internet is widespread amongst many worldwide countries, yet Internet access is still divided along class, education, age and gender lines (Willis & Tranter, 2002). The disparity in access and use for such groups is known as the "digital divide" and is the consequence of "information poverty" between, for example, the developed and developing world (Meredyth & Thomas, 2002). However, this divide exists also within countries and communities, potentially obstructing a full inclusion within the society. .
             1.0 Social Advantage / ICT Inequality / ICT Diffusion.
             Digital inequality has developed in advanced societies in relation to information and communication technologies (ICT), leading to a "digital divide" between techo-haves and have-nots (Norriss, 2001). This existence may generate "status" divisions and new forms of social privilege and exclusion within and between countries. However, the divide is not a sharp line, but increases with and contributes to social and economic disadvantage (Unknown, NOIE). .
             The digital divide has mainly been accused of existing in relation to access; access to services, infrastructure and hardware. Initial access to new technologies is limited to those with advantageous status and resources (white-collar, education, race, income) (Willis & Tranter, 2002). These users have greater exposure to all that ICT, especially the Internet has to offer.


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