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.  

The Rise and Impact of Citizen Journalism

   In these past few years journalism has undergone innovative changes in its traditional news format.The introduction of citizen journalism has given ordinary citizens opportunities to become part of a global community by providing instantaneous news using a variety of media.

Citizen Journalism Supported by Mainstream Media

   The fervent increase of the Internet’s interactivity paved the way for citizen journalism; more people, now than ever before, understand how they can manipulate the internet for their own  benefit. Since the distribution of information is rapidly changing the idea that news should solely be presented in its traditional manner has also changed. The notion that common people are just as important in providing relevant, important news has been the main fuel for this contemporary movement. Many popular news organizations, such as CNN’s iReport are encouraging citizens to make use of their cell phones and cameras by recording and photographing content that would have otherwise been ignored by news networks.
   iReport states that “looking at the news from different angles gives us a deeper understanding of what's going on [around us].” And Websites such as Citizenside and apps like Signal and Rawporter are joining CNN’s motto by reinforcing this same idea. Anyone can upload customized, compelling material following simple steps. For Signal “users capture media that they then upload to the app with a geo-tagged location and a short caption of around 60 characters.” It’s creator, Mark Malkoun, followed  Instagram’s structure “an idea that has already turned Instagram into one of the hottest digital platform.” These outlets go so far as provided monetary incentives and a shot of 15-minutes of fame in order to promote this unconventional form of journalism. iReporters can “create a profile [and] can “follow” other users, as well as CNN personalities, and can earn awards and “badges” for accomplishments (insert link).” Because of this fervent advocacy and passion for news, citizens across the nation are teaming up with CNN and other companies. This proves that “there’s a strong desire to share visual, mobile stories with the world.”

The Positive Impact of Citizen Journalism

   You may ask yourself why there’s such a strong emphasis on citizen journalism. From mobile apps to traditional media companies it appears that everyone is supporting this media sharing platform. Well unlike major news organizations, citizen journalists have the “opportunity to present a unique perspective — to breathe fresh air into a society herded by mainstream media.” According to Lila King, CNN’s participation director because “we are all carrying cameras, we all have something to say, and....we all increasingly have an expectation to hear our own voices and see our work reflected in the media we watch.” Journalism is about informing people and citizen journalism gives power to the people. Citizens are able to provide raw, real life material that can never be filtered. And people have the choice of what content they want to receive.
    It also allows “marginalized people to reclaim their voices, to tell their otherwise silenced stories firsthand” which would have rarely occurred in the past 10 years. We have seen how this can be true. In 2010 and 2011 hundreds of videos and photographs surfaced just as the conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa were gaining momentum. These videos came from ordinary sons, daughter, mothers, and fathers experiencing the devastating problems firsthand; they were in a sense documenting a historical moment. The world became much smaller and communities more connected. The Hudson River plane crash is another  prime example of how citizen journalists with mobile devices can make headline news with their information. The online world was booming with countless tweets and pictures from eyewitnesses. These images would later be published in blogs, newsrooms, and newspapers. There’s no doubt that because of these citizen journalists people across the nation were informed within minutes when it would have taken several minutes, if not, hours for newsrooms. Citizen journalists help “‘capture the moment, not the aftermath.’”

Issues with Citizen Journalism and Mobile Devices

   Although citizen journalism has received positive reviews from both citizens and media professionals there are several issues that are currently being addressed. Videotaping police activity has been one of the issues. The availability of mobile devices and camera has given citizens various opportunities to record police brutality and shedding light on America’s fractured judicial systems. Incidents such as the beating of Rodney King and other cases of police brutality allows to put “a check on power." Citizen journalist provide balance by acting as a “check and balance to the mainstream press.” Some of these journalist have been able to ruin the careers and reputations of several police officials thorough simple footage and photographs. Mobile devices, if used inappropriately, have the power to completely obliterate an individual’s honor. High profile people such as Anthony Wiener, Chris Lee, and Michael Phelps have experienced first hand how mobile devices can impact a person’s reputation.

   In short, the new wave of technology has given citizens the power to control the media they share with their peers. The concept of citizen journalism and the availability of mobile devices provide a wide varied of raw, unfiltered newsworthy material that adds a different dimension to journalism. As the years and technology progress citizen journalism will continue to prosper.


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