The Digital Divide

Catalog description

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have become essential for survival in the 21st century. Most people in industrialized settings rely on the internet for all aspects of life, including education, employment, healthcare, politics and personal relationships. At the same time, these tools are expensive, fragile, and often complicated to use. As a result, there are inequalities in who has access to digital technology and who can use it successfully. This class examines these inequalities and the ways they influence, and are influenced by, larger socio-economic inequalities. We explore relevant theories, review current data, and consider creative interventions to help reduce digital divides in years to come.