Bridging the Digital Divide for Inclusive Socioeconomic Development: Examining Root Causes, Consequences, and Policy Solutions
Keywords:
Digital Divide, Socioeconomic Development, Policy SolutionsAbstract
The digital divide is the gap between individuals, households, businesses, and geographic locations across socio-economic strata in their access to and benefits from information and communication technology (ICT) resources. This gap is one of the defining characteristics of contemporary inequity. Although technological innovations promise access and opportunities for affluent societies, several disproportionately disadvantaged groups remain at the bottom and lack the essential infrastructure and devices needed for digital participation, as well as the requisite skills and support to benefit from the advancing digital society. The digital divide has multiple aspects, and this research article aims to define its history, its relationship to inequality, and its forms, whether persistent or emergent, in broadband access, digital literacy, and the quality of technology use. Drawing on existing literature and policy reports, the article highlights the significant structural, cultural, and technological disparities that perpetuate these gaps. It examines the impact of the digital divide on education, employment, healthcare, and civic engagement. Finally, it analyzes policy goals and structures related to the Digital Divide and seeks to offer pragmatic approaches designed to facilitate inclusive digital socio-economic growth and development ecosystems. This study presents global trends and local case studies, encompassing information on several challenges and opportunities for addressing the digital divide in the 21st century.
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