What is the Digital Divide?

The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to information technology and those who have not.

Increased understanding of the nature of the digital divide has come to mean the difference between those who have access to, and can effectively use, information technologies and those who cannot.

You might also hear the term “digital bridge”.  This relates to efforts made to bridge the digital divide.  Organisations such as the South Australian Government’s Digital Bridge Unit aim to do this.

Access is commonly defined in terms of three key components:

• Connectivity: Physical access to ICT
• Capability: The skills to use ICT
• Content: Appropriate content and applications relevant to individuals needs is available and accessible.