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.