Reflection: Topic 1

Initially, I wasn’t aware how the term ‘digital differences’ applied to me; I assumed it referred to technical differences between certain technologies i.e. laptops vs tablets.

After participating on MOOC, and researching the concept further, I gained a better understanding and opinion on the topic and appreciation for the technology I have. After reflecting on my previous blog, I realise on a larger scale I am more of a digital resident than others (in third world countries) and I should utilise tools such as MOOC more, as others aren’t as fortunate to. 

It was interesting to explore which factors had a greater impact on the digital divide and how it differed among various societies. Discussing this with Karishma, I realised I agree with Van Deursen & Van Dijk’s research; factors, such as age, may have a more prominent effect on the divide among populations similar to the Netherlands.

Although, Nathaniel addressed an important concern around disability, introducing me to a GuardianPost which explained how some UK users with additional needs are at a disadvantage when using the Web. I referred to the National Government Inclusion Strategy, enforced in the UK, to address this issue and even tackle this divide globally – however, Nathaniel pointed out that due to a lack of funding in other countries it will be hard to apply this strategy elsewhere and close the gap as effectively. This made me realise all factors have a significant impact on users in different ways and the digital gap varies on mainly two scales:

Though, not all aspects of the divide are negative as Chloe highlights the importance of digital differences allowing us to reflect on our daily activities online and offline and even motivate us to use technology more. Personally, I agree to an extent as being aware of digital difference makes me appreciate the technology I have around me. However, I support groups like GSMA who aim to give more users a digital identity worldwide and diminish the divide.

My comment on Nathaniel’s blog

My comment on Chloe’s blog

(Word Count: 329)

References: 

• GSMA, (2016). Regulatory and Policy Trends Impacting Digital Identity and the Role of Mobile, (Available at: http://www.gsma.com/ mobilefordevelopment/ programmes/digital-identity) [Accessed 3 Mar. 2018]
• Rust, E. (2015). How the Internet Still Fails Disabled People, The Guardian, [Accessed 3 Mar. 2018]
• Maude. F, (2014). Government Digital Inclusion Strategy [Accessed 3 Mar. 2018]
• Future Learn, (2017). Future Learn. Digital differences – inequalities and online practices [Accessed 25 Feb. 2018]
• Halford, S. and Savage, M. (2010) Reconceptualizing Digital Social Inequality, Information, Communication & Society, 13: 7, 937 — 955 [Accessed 25 Feb. 2018]
• Zickuhr, K. and Smith, A. (2012). Digital Differences, Pew Internet, (Pew Research Center) [Accessed 25 Feb. 2018]
• Van Deursen, A. and Van Dijk, J. (2013) The Digital Divide Shifts to Differences in Usages, Sage Journals, 16:3 [Accessed 25 Feb. 2018]
• Damarin, S. (2000) The ‘Digital Divide’ Versus Digital Differences: Principles for Equitable Use of Technology in Education, Education Technology, 40:4, 17-22 [Accessed 25 Feb. 2018]

 

 

Topic 1- Digital Differences

Over the past decade increased Internet adoption and a rise of mobile connectivity has allowed us to bridge the gap in accessing technology and online information for most (Smith and Zickuhr, 2012). However, terms such as ‘digital divide’ and ‘digital differences’ are still frequently used when studying today’s online users. Exploring MOOC and various studies, it is apparent there are common factors that lead to disparities on the Web.

Professor Susan Halford says older people are less likely to use the Web in addition to those in unskilled or semi skilled professions. She explains how those with disabilities may also be confined to using the Web at home, due to limited access of required software. Surveys shown below carried out by Pew Research Center reinforce such observations as statistics (from 2000-2011) show American internet users within age range 18-29, with higher house hold income or educational attainment use the Web more frequently.

Though, it is debatable whether the correlations mentioned can be generalised as a survey of the Dutch population, in 2013, shows in fact that “low levels of education and disabled people are using the Internet for more hours a day in their spare time than higher educated and employed populations” (Van Deursen and Van Dijk, 2013). Therefore, we must look deeper into online behaviours when trying to explain digital differences (rather than time spent).

Interestingly, when analysing online activities, Pew Research shows some gaps are more vast than others; Among all demographics a high level of users ‘search’ the Web though, a significant number of young users are part of online social networking sites in contrast to only a few of the elderly (65+).

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In addition, Van Deursen and Van Dijk rank the differences from most prominent to least significant, allowing us to see how the Web is used as a multi purpose tool for different types of users (see chart below).  Next to these differences I include my own digital differences to see if I follow any of the general trends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Word Count: 321

References: 

• Future Learn, 2017. Future Learn. Digital differences – inequalities and online practices [Accessed 25 Feb. 2018]
• Halford, S. and Savage, M. (2010) Reconceptualizing Digital Social Inequality, Information, Communication & Society, 13: 7, 937 — 955 [Accessed 25 Feb. 2018]
• Zickuhr, K. and Smith, A. (2012). Digital Differences, Pew Internet, (Pew Research Center) [Accessed 25 Feb. 2018]
• Van Deursen, A. and Van Dijk, J. (2013) The Digital Divide Shifts to Differences in Usages, Sage Journals, 16:3 [Accessed 25 Feb. 2018]
• Damarin, S. (2000) The ‘Digital Divide’ Versus Digital Differences: Principles for Equitable Use of Technology in Education, Education Technology, 40:4, 17-22 [Accessed 25 Feb. 2018]