The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to modern communication technologies, such as cell phones and the internet, and those who do not. This concept has evolved with technological advancements. Initially, it focused on access to cellphones, but now it primarily concerns access to high-speed internet.
However, the technology gap is multifaceted, encompassing factors like accessibility, affordability, and the knowledge and resources required to use these technologies. These disparities contribute to the digital divide at local, national, and international levels.
Why Does the Digital Divide Matter?
A 2024 Pew Research report highlights that around 24 million Americans lack a fast internet connection. In our increasingly digital world, this limited access has significant consequences.
According to Statista, nearly 95% of U.S. residents use the Internet in 2024. Technology has become essential in many sectors, and communities without access face severe disadvantages.
Education:
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of internet access for students. The technology gap has created substantial educational disparities. The FCC reports that nearly 17 million children lack internet access at home, contributing to the "homework gap"—the disparity between students who can complete school assignments online and those who cannot.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of internet access for students. The technology gap has created substantial educational disparities. The FCC reports that nearly 17 million children lack internet access at home, contributing to the "homework gap"—the disparity between students who can complete school assignments online and those who cannot.
A Pew Research Center study found that 24% of teens in low-income households cannot complete homework due to unreliable internet or computer access. Post-pandemic, many schools continue to use online learning models, leaving students without internet access at a disadvantage compared to their connected peers.
Healthcare:
The gender gap in technology also exacerbates healthcare disparities. Telehealth has become a popular method for healthcare visits, accounting for almost 17% of all outpatient/office visit claims. However, the technology gap limits access to telehealth resources for many, reinforcing inequalities in healthcare access, particularly in marginalized and underserved communities.
What Factors Contribute to the Digital Divide?
The gender gap in technology is primarily driven by issues of accessibility and affordability, affecting rural residents and low-income households the most.
Accessibility:
Expanding broadband in rural areas is costly and time-consuming. Despite federal investments over the past decade, around 24 million rural Americans still lack broadband access.
Affordability:
Many urban residents with available internet providers still lack access due to cost. Pew Research Center found that over half of Americans without internet cite expense as the main barrier. Households earning less than $30,000 annually struggle the most. For instance, households earning over $75,000 annually are 20 times more likely to have internet access than those earning under $30,000. About 22% of children from low-income families lack internet connections.
Low-income households can generally afford $10 per month for internet service, but the average U.S. internet cost is over $90 per month. This affordability gap is a significant barrier that the FCC is addressing with Congress and state agencies.
Low-income households can generally afford $10 per month for internet service, but the average U.S. internet cost is over $90 per month. This affordability gap is a significant barrier that the FCC is addressing with Congress and state agencies.