Understanding the Digital Divide in the Contemporary Digital World
Ameer Farooqi, Uffaq Khalid, Amna Munawar Khan
Abstract
This article explores the concept of the digital divide and its different forms, which persist despite the rapid transformation towards digitalization. The divide refers to unequal access and use of technology, the internet, and hardware and software, based on social inclusion/exclusion, gender, and universal accessibility. The causes of the divide include lack of education, access, affordability, motivation, and knowledge of technology. The divide adversely affects the economy, education, and social sphere, leading to compromised economic growth. The article highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic has further amplified the severity of the digital divide.Therefore, governments, commercial and non-commercial sectors need to collaborate to bridge the divide and achieve universal digital access.