Closing the Divide

Everyone knows that technology is emerging all over the world. Every year someone
somewhere comes out with something that would make our lives a bit easier. Unfortunately not
everyone has access to these new inventions. Many people are not as privileged to have such
digital access. Fortunately, There are companies and schools out here willing to help close the
digital divide and help everyone have an equal chance of receiving the same digital access as
others.

Baltimore Maryland inner city schools are working together by providing certain families
free tablets and internet access to students at home. Since this program has started, 500
Baltimore Housing Authority residents have received the wireless tablets. T-Mobile provided the
tablets for free; the housing authority is covering the cost of the data plans for two years. Many
residential families find that having the tablets in their homes have been a big help. Most of them
are using if for applying for job or school work.

Smartphones are emerging and increasing in the world today. Over 68 percent of
Americans now own a smartphone. Minorities are using smartphones to connect with the online
world - with African American millennials leading the pack. Many of millennials that use the
internet have subscription to many websites but cancel shortly after because of the prices. In
2013, ten percent of African Americans and 16 percent of Hispanics depended on a smartphone
for home internet connectivity. In 2015, Africans Americans increased to 19 percent and
Hispanics to 23 percent. It’s like everyone has a smartphone nowadays.

Everyone knows that the digital world is emerging year after year. But as I stated in the
beginning. Most people who live in poverty don’t have access. But as you can see, some are
finding a way to keep up with the digital world.
 
 
 
 
 
 
https://www.loyola.edu/academics/emerging-media/blog/2017/smartphones-aiding-in-digi
tal-divide 
 
https://www.americancityandcounty.com/2018/09/10/three-ideas-to-close-the-digital-divid
e-in-your-city/