ISOLATION IN AN ONLINE
WORLD By: Samantha Weima
Flickr: Dragan-‐ “Campari Beau5es”
Only 65% of low-income households have access to the Internet, compared to 95%
of wealthier households1 Flickr: Kevin Doyle-‐ “MacBook Air”
The rise of the Internet started in the 90s, and
along with it came rapid changes in our culture
and daily lives
Flickr: Brad Scruse-‐ “Macintosh Classic B&W”
Schooling, communication, shopping, recreational activities, information access...
Nearly every aspect of our lives has been impacted by the
internet
IconArchive: Icons8-‐ “Wifi Icon”
This revolution creates a digital divide between the “iHave”, and “iHave Not”2
Flickr: Frank Mitchell-‐ “Encounter”
Flickr: Joao Lavinha Flickr: Giuseppe Milo (www.pixael.com)
iHave Not iHave
Divided by both Internet access and aptitude, those isolated by the Internet are at a distinct disadvantage, and people are falling behind2 Those most affected by this “digital divide” in North America include those of low income, ethnic minorities, immigrants, and the elderly3
Flickr: Mark Gunn-‐ “People”
"In a society where increasingly we are defined by access to information and what we earn is what we learn, if you don't have access to technology, you're going to be left in the digital dark ages. That's what the digital divide is all about.”4 -William Kennard, FCC
Flickr: Abhijit Chendvankar-‐ “Keep Walking”
The Internet plays an unquestionable role in
communication, culture, and commerce5
From this comes the
question- should Internet access be a
human right?
Flickr: Mister G.C.-‐ “Zips 'n' BuUons”
According to the United Nations Human Rights Council, yes.
A 2011 report came out, stating “Given that the Internet has become an indispensable tool for realizing a range of human
rights, combating inequality, and accelerating development and human progress, ensuring universal access to the Internet should be a priority for all States. Each State should thus
develop a concrete and effective policy, in consultation with individuals from all sections of society, including the private
sector and relevant Government ministries, to make the Internet widely available, accessible and affordable to all
segments of population”6 –Frank La Rue
Flickr: Dennis Meene-‐ “_MG_4595”
This report is not binding,
but serves as a guideline
for nations to protect
individual’s access and expression
online7
Flickr: Thoroughly Reviewed-‐ hUps///thoroughlyreviewed.com
So what does this mean for the digital divide?
Flickr: Mario Mancuso-‐ “Stopover”
“The internet will not simply appear… nor will people’s lives be fundamentally transformed by its mere presence. It is a policy that has to be enacted, a service that has to be provided, and a tool that people must have the ability to access. It is, therefore, inherently wrapped up with both politics and business.”8 –Elizabeth Button
Flickr: Enric Fradera-‐ “Rituals”
So what can be done?
Flickr: Per Gosche-‐ “Learning Session”
Progress is being made with the rise in public Internet access; such as in public libraries, schools,
and community access centres1
Flickr: telmo32-‐ “Books”
However, the solution involves both equipment
and education. “Internet access
without the confidence and
ability to effectively use the technology is like having a
microphone and not know how to
turn it on or what to say.”9
- J. Hardin
Flickr: Samantha Celera-‐ “Mic Check”
Digital literacy is a crucial concept in bridging the digital divide
Flickr: colinstu-‐ “In the Dark”
“In addition to public access, we need freely available, one-on-one assistance and small group training through government-funded community technology sites, like public libraries. The result will be a “learning citizenry” capable of adaptation to rapid change.”1 -Eric Stackhouse
Flickr: Derek Bruff-‐ “No More Pencils, No More Books”
The result?
Flickr: www.Pixel.la Free Stock Pictures
By bridging the digital divide, marginalized populations gain access to critical information, creative outlets, learning resources, and are able to make more informed decisions regarding education, occupation, and healthcare10
Flickr: Brent Weichsel-‐ “37”
Leading to more opportunities, and a better quality of life
Flickr: Boris Thaser-‐ “Abseits / Offside”
Works Cited
[1] McGee, Craig and Marc Kielburger. "Have Your Say: How Can We Help Canadians Gain Better Access To The Internet?". The Globe and Mail. N.p., 2017. Web. 4 Mar. 2017. [2] Matrix, Sidneyeve. “Module 01 Lecture 02 Media Use Research”. Lecture. 4 Mar. 2017. [3] Gustke, Constance. "Technology, While Not A Fountain Of Youth, Can Make Aging Safer". Nytimes.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 4 Mar. 2017. [4] "The Digital Divide". Cs.stanford.edu. N.p., 2017. Web. 4 Mar. 2017. [5] Geist, Michael. "Is Internet Connectivity A Human Right? | Toronto Star". thestar.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 4 Mar. 2017. [6] McHugh, Molly. "UN Declares Internet Access A Human Right". Digital Trends. N.p., 2017. Web. 4 Mar. 2017. [7] McKenney, Kyle. "The UN Declares Internet Access A Basic Human Right". pastemagazine.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 4 Mar. 2017. [8] Button, Elizabeth. "Digital Divides: Considerations On Access To The Internet As A Human Right In Rwanda - African Community Advancement Initiative". African Community Advancement Initiative. N.p., 2017. Web. 4 Mar. 2017. [9] Hardin, J. "How To Bridge The Digital Divide". Streetdirectory.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 4 Mar. 2017. [10] "The Importance Of Bridging The Digital Divide". Clinton4.nara.gov. N.p., 2017. Web. 4 Mar. 2017.
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