Digital Divide and Participation Gap are Present in Today's Technological Communities

 Innovative technology has given numerous people the opportunity to utilize tools to significantly improve their lives. Over these past several years we have seen how people are purchasing and adapting these tools to accommodate their particular needs. According to findings from the Pew Research Center, as of April 2012, 88% of Americans own some type of cellular device and of this group more than half (55%) go online using their phones, a major change since 2009’s 31%. But unbeknownst to some, “digital divide” and “participation gap” are present despite technology’s rapid availability. 

Minorities are the Victims of Digital Divide

Kevin Guidry, in Digital Divide or Participation Gap? Will Mobile Affect it?, argues that “there are still large numbers of Americans who do not own computers or have Internet access at home.” And the Americans who are generally under this category are Blacks, Latinos, and people with low income. If we consider the data gathered by the Pew Research Center, his argument is indeed correct. 42% of Latinos and 51% of blacks browse the internet with their phones compared to 24% of whites. One can infer that the reasons behind these findings is that those who mostly do online browsing on their phones have no access to computers at home or around their communities.

The High Level of Computer Expenses Hinders People With Low Income to Access the Internet 

Computer desktops can be a burdensome expense for those that have a meager income. Research states that “those with an annual household income of less than $50,000 per year” access the internet with their phones than any other device (inferring that they have no computer access). Those that can afford to purchase and continually update devices are economically well off and more educated. Unlike those with low income these individuals have “high overall levels of smartship ownership.” The “participation gap” that Guidry describes in his article is deeply affected by an individual’s level of income. People that have several devices to their disposal are more technology literate meaning that they find it relatively easy to use these devices, adding to their comfort level. But those that aren't or weren't exposed to various technological tools will “view it [technology] differently compared to those with significant...access.” People view the internet in different perspectives depending on their environment and community. 

Universities and Colleges Are Contributing to Today's Digital Divide and Participation Gap

Universities and colleges are also seeing a divide regarding digital participation amongst their students. The tough economic challenges that these educational institutions have faced “have slowed access to computers and the Internet, preserving and perpetuating the digital divide” that Guidry explicitly analyzes. 

Digital Divide and Participation Gap will Still be Relevant in the Future Unless Major Changes Occur

After gathering and analyzing both Guidry’s argument and the research conducted by the Pew Research Center I've come to the conclusion that the participation gap and digital divide will continue to grow as along as the mobile trends (indicated by the research) increases too. If nothing is done to close these gaps there will still be individuals with no access to computers, laptops, and cellphones despite the ever increasing adaptation of these devices. By confronting these issue we can hope that in the future people will have a fair shot of having technology within reach in every home. Technology is more important than ever and it's vital that everyone benefits from this tool.