The digital divide is a growing problem in the United States and around the world. It is the gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not. This gap can be seen in the statistics that show the differences in access to technology between different groups of people.
In this blog post, we will take a look at the latest digital divide statistics and what they mean for our society. We will also discuss what can be done to bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone has access to the same opportunities.
Digital Divide: The Most Important Statistics
8% of respondents view the changes in the digital divide as a real threat, while 25% view it as less of a threat.
55% of households globally have an internet connection, but only 20% are in the poorest countries.
Digital Divide: Statistics Overview
Rural communities now have access to broadband and internet-connected devices, but reliable home broadband remains a challenge for rural households. This matters in the context of Digital Divide Statistics because it highlights the inequality between rural and urban areas in terms of access to technology. This inequality can lead to disparities in educational opportunities, economic opportunities, and access to health care.
One in ten Americans are offline, with a higher percentage of those 65 and older and those without a high school diploma being offline. This statistic matters in the context of Digital Divide Statistics because it highlights the disparities in access to technology between different age groups and educational backgrounds. It is important to understand these disparities in order to develop strategies to bridge the digital divide.
27% of low-income households have smartphones but not broadband, compared to 6% of high-income households; this highlights the digital divide between the two groups. This matters because it shows that lower-income households are less likely to have access to the same technology as higher-income households, which can lead to disparities in access to information and resources.
39% of Americans living in rural areas lack access to decent broadband service, leaving 34 million people disconnected from digital life. This statistic matters in the context of Digital Divide Statistics because it highlights the disparity between rural and urban areas in terms of access to broadband services. This lack of access can lead to a variety of issues, such as limited access to education, health care, and other services that are increasingly becoming available online. This can further exacerbate existing disparities between rural and urban areas, leading to a widening of the digital divide.
The number of people using the internet has increased by 800 million in the past year, however, two-thirds of the world’s population is now offline due to lockdowns. This statistic matters in the context of Digital Divide Statistics because it highlights the widening gap between those who have access to the internet and those who do not. This gap has been exacerbated by the pandemic, as lockdowns have caused many people to lose access to the internet. This has had a significant impact on people’s ability to access education, information, and other resources that are available online.
The majority of respondents (91%) are optimistic about the availability of digital tools and technology. This statistic is important in the context of Digital Divide Statistics because it shows that the majority of people are confident in the availability of digital tools and technology, which could indicate that the Digital Divide is decreasing.
The digital gender divide decreased from 2012 to 2019, with a negative figure of -1.2 percentage points in 2019. This matters in the context of Digital Divide Statistics because it shows that the gap between genders in terms of access to digital technology is closing. This is important because it means that more people, regardless of gender, are able to access digital technology and the opportunities that come with it.
Africa has 570 internet users in 2022, showing an improvement in digital accessibility and lessening the digital divide. This statistic is important because it shows that the digital divide in Africa is decreasing, meaning that more people have access to the internet and the resources it provides. This is important because it allows more people to access education, healthcare, and other resources that can help improve their lives.
8% of respondents view the changes in the digital divide as a real threat, while 25% view it as less of a threat. This statistic matters in the context of Digital Divide Statistics because it highlights the need to address the gap in access to digital tools and technology. It also shows that there is a need to provide better access to digital tools and technology to those who are less likely to have access. This could help to reduce the digital divide and ensure that everyone has equal access to digital tools and technology.
33% of lower-income households in America lack access to a family computer, compared to only 6% of high-income households. This statistic is important because it highlights the stark disparities between lower and higher-income households when it comes to access to technology, which can have a significant impact on educational and economic opportunities. This statistic is an example of the digital divide, which is the gap between those with access to technology and those without.
48% of school-aged children have their own personal tablet or laptop. This statistic highlights the digital divide that still exists between those who have access to technology and those who do not. It is no longer just about access to the internet, but about access to the right kind of technology. This is important because it highlights the need for more equitable access to technology for all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
The percentage of school districts meeting the FCC’s minimum internet-connectivity target increased from 30% in 2013 to 88% in 2016. This statistic is important because it shows that the Digital Divide is slowly being bridged. This statistic is significant because it shows that more students are being given access to the internet, which is an important resource for education. This statistic is also important because it highlights the geographic disparities that still exist, which can be addressed through targeted initiatives.
White adults are more likely to own a desktop or laptop computer than Black or Hispanic adults. This statistic highlights the digital divide between White adults and Black and Hispanic adults. It is important to note this difference in order to understand the disparities in access to technology and the internet and to take steps to reduce the digital divide.
The adoption levels of home internet for Hispanic and Black households are lower than expected based on average incomes, indicating that systemic barriers are likely preventing access. This is important because it highlights the disparities in access to technology that exists in the US, which can have a significant impact on educational and economic opportunities.
Africa has a population of 884 million, but only 4 million internet users, making it the continent with the greatest digital divide due to a lack of infrastructure. This matters because it highlights the need for infrastructure development in Africa in order to reduce the digital divide and allow more people to access the internet. This is important for economic development, as access to the internet is essential for businesses and individuals to be able to access resources and opportunities.
55% of households globally have an internet connection, but only 20% are in the poorest countries. This statistic matters in the context of Digital Divide Statistics because it highlights the inequality in access to the internet between wealthier and poorer countries. This inequality can lead to disparities in education, employment, and other opportunities, which can further widen the gap between the wealthy and the poor.
31% of currently employed American workers ages 16-64 have either no or very limited digital skills. This statistic is important because it highlights the digital divide that exists in the United States. This divide is an issue because it can lead to disparities in access to resources and opportunities, as those with limited digital skills may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities as those with more digital skills. This can lead to a widening of the gap between those with access to resources and those without.
Digital skills lead to increased earnings of 3-10%, as well as improved chances of finding work for the unemployed and increased likelihood of those inactive looking for work. This matters in the context of Digital Divide Statistics, as it highlights the potential for digital skills to help bridge the gap between those with access to technology and those without, by providing increased economic opportunities for those who may not have had them before.
Urban dwellers are 4x more likely to use the Internet than rural dwellers (47% vs 13%). This statistic is important as it highlights the digital divide between urban and rural areas. It shows that people living in urban areas have much greater access to the Internet and digital technology than those living in rural areas, which can have a significant impact on their ability to access information, services, and opportunities.
Rural residents use the internet less frequently than their urban counterparts, with 88% of urban adults using the internet daily compared to 80% of rural adults. This matters in the context of Digital Divide Statistics because it highlights the gap between rural and urban access to the internet, which can lead to disparities in access to education, employment, and healthcare.
Conclusion
The digital divide is an issue that affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. It is a complex issue that is rooted in a variety of factors, including access to technology, education, and economic resources. The statistics presented in this blog post demonstrate the stark reality of the digital divide, and the need for further research and action to bridge the gap.
It is clear that the digital divide is a problem that needs to be addressed in order to ensure that everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources. It is our responsibility to ensure that everyone has the tools they need to succeed in the digital age.
References
1 – https://www.statista.com/chart/18266/digital-divide-in-rural-america/
2 – https://www.statista.com/chart/17880/demographics-of-americans-offline/
3 – https://www.statista.com/chart/25551/technology-adoption-by-household-income/
4 – https://www.statista.com/chart/5134/broadband-connectivity-in-the-us/
5 – https://www.statista.com/chart/26326/number-of-internet-user-and-non-users-worldwide/
6 – https://www.statista.com/statistics/1221500/expected-changes-worldwide/
7 – https://www.statista.com/statistics/773761/gap-digital-from-gender-users-frequent-from-internet-in-spain/
8 – https://www.statista.com/topics/9813/internet-usage-in-africa/
9 – https://www.statista.com/statistics/1220843/level-of-personal-concern-for-possible-developments-worldwide/
10 – https://www.statista.com/chart/27255/digital-revolution-is-leaving-poorer-kids-behind/
11 – https://www.sec-ed.co.uk/best-practice/closing-the-digital-divide-what-can-schools-do-technology-pandemic-edtech-poverty-disadvantage/
12 – https://www.edweek.org/technology/data-dive-devices-and-software-flooding-into-classrooms?intc=EW-TC17-TOC
13 – https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/07/16/home-broadband-adoption-computer-ownership-vary-by-race-ethnicity-in-the-u-s/
14 – https://www.freepress.net/blog/racial-digital-divide-persists
15 – https://wiki.uiowa.edu/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=41879404
16 – https://dt-global.com/company/blog/march-4th-2021/visualizing-digital-divide
17 – https://www.towardsemployment.org/digital-access/
18 – https://www.ons.gov.uk/
19 – https://www.itu.int/itu-d/reports/statistics/2021/11/15/internet-use-in-urban-and-rural-areas/
20 – https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/08/19/some-digital-divides-persist-between-rural-urban-and-suburban-america/
