The global digital divide in simple terms, refers to the lack of access less developed nations have to the Internet, as compared with more developed nations. While discussing this topic in class, I found it astonishing the amount that the US and a few other leading nations use the Internet. Almost one-half of the people in the world have never made a phone call, yet we use sources like the Internet without even giving it a second thought. What many of us also never give a second thought to is the types of opportunities that people miss out on due to the lack of technology and infrastructure in their homeland. Despite these facts, there are organizations that are out there trying to help bridge the gap of the global digital divide.
As I stated there are many groups whose purpose is to deter the affects of the digital divide. One of those groups is the UNDP or United Nations Development Program. The main goal of this group is to help poor countries gain access to the digital economy. One particular priority they have is to use the cuts in transaction costs offered by ICT to find new ways of expanding micro-finance initiati
Many of the other groups involved in the fight against the digital divide use techniques similar to the UNDP. My personal opinion is that we need a combination of ideas and resources to help deter the problem. For example, I think it would be in our best interests to ensure that the infrastructure of poorer countries was improved dramatically. Without better communication/technology systems, little will be possible.
In addition to the idea stated above, the UNDP also trains small groups in developing countries in the uses and opportunities of the Net. Once again, I have to say that I agree with this technique. With a problem such as the one at hand, perhaps the best way to handle the situation is to chop away at it one piece at a time.
In poor countries political views and standpoints could be dramatically changed with the addition of the Internet. I'm almost certain that people's ideas about what they are entitled to would change. Perhaps those who live in developing nations would begin to question the motives of their governments and the political ideologies prevalent in them. I think it's probably safe to say that many governments would prefer
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