| Factors which create the Digital Divide - Social | |||
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It is important that the digital divide does not lead to social
exclusion. There should not be groups of people who cannot
benefit from the digital technology because of lack of access or poor
skills.
Social factors that contribute to the digital divide include:
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| Age - It seems to be
that young people feel more comfortable with the new technology and are
able to benefit from it more than older people.
Older people are less likely to have a computer and are less likely to be interested in using the Internet.
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| Gender - Boys use
computers and the Internet more than girls.
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| Family structure -
Families with children have more computers and Internet access than
families without.
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| Education - In order
to benefit from the digital technology people must know how to use it.
ICT has become a major subject taught in most schools but many adults
did not have the opportunity to learn how to use computers when they
were in school.
Literacy skills are important for people to read web pages. Those unable to read well will not benefit from information on the Internet - they may only use computers to play games.
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| Ethnicity - Different
ethnic groups have different attitudes to technology. Many deprived
areas of large cities have high numbers of people in differing ethnic
groups. This may have an effect on wealth
and education.
If English is not a first language - this may cause problems.
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Motivation - People may not use
computers because they are not interested or they may not see any good
reason to.
Some people have a fear of using computers. These people are called 'technophobes'. Their fear is usually due to poor ICT skills.
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