The Dystopians:

Approaching Technology From a Critical Perspective


Home

Introduction

Confronting the Machine

Visions of the Future

The Neo-Luddites

What's Wrong With Technology?

Cyberspace

The Digital Divide

Technology and Community

Technology and Happiness

Conclusion

References


The Digital Divide

Measuring the number of internet users worldwide is difficult, and estimates vary based on the definition of user. Internet World Stats defines users as those have "access to an Internet connection point" and have "the basic knowledge required to use this technology" 12 and estimates almost 900 million internet users worldwide. Whatever the precise number, one fact is clear: the vast majority of the world's population is "offline", so to speak.

The reason for this is, predictably, lack of money. According to United Nations statistics, 48 countries have an annual GDP of less than $500 USD per capita. China and India, the world's two most populous countries have a combined per capita GDP of less than $1000 USD12. While the gender gap among users of technology has closed in western countries, the lower incomes and higher illiteracy rates among women in developing countries prevents equal use among genders on a global level. Repressive governments also play a role in limiting in access to technology. On a local level, wide income and education gaps, even in wealthy countries, prevent a large segment of the population from accessing technology.

In short, it is clear that there are severe obstacles to providing access to technology on an equitable basis, on both a local and global level. Being in possession of advanced technology affords a certain power, an advantage in increasing one's wealth and standard of living; lacking technology deprives one of this power. By the time new technology filters down to the disadvantaged, it may already have become obsolete.







Created by Aaron Francis. April 2005. Contact: sundapop@yahoo.com