CLOSING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE: HOW TO INCREASE MEANINGFUL ACCESS TO THE INTERNET
In this podcast episode, Dr Melissa Sassi discusses the urgent need for digital inclusion and empowerment, emphasizing that meaningful access to the Internet involves more than just affordability. With 2.7 billion people worldwide still lacking internet access, Dr Sassi shares five ways to increase meaningful internet access, which can lead to economic development and growth, particularly in underserved and underrepresented communities.
The Digital Divide and Its Impact
The digital divide is a complex issue that affects many aspects of people’s lives, including access to information, education, and political voice. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the need for internet access and device availability for students to continue their education. Digital literacy and access to the internet are now considered human rights, as they are essential for personal well-being, job applications, government benefit access, and online protection. The digital divide also affects the unbanked population and those without proper identification. Governments can help bridge the gap by providing access to technology and even becoming banks themselves. The challenge lies in moving beyond access to outcomes, which include making money, improving lives, and having a political and social voice.
Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Divide
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the digital divide by enabling those who embrace AI technologies, such as chat GPT, to become more productive, sometimes by over 50%. However, this rapid change may create an underclass of people who are left behind due to their closed-mindedness or inability to embrace AI. AI is seen as a double click on the digital divide, with its own risks and benefits. Concerns around trust, transparency, and understanding of what goes into AI-generated algorithms need to be addressed. Additionally, there is a gender divide in tech, where unconscious bias can impact algorithm creation. Inclusive tech can drive outcomes that make sense for all users.
Five Ways to Increase Meaningful Access to the Internet
Dr Melissa Sassi discusses five ways to increase meaningful access to the Internet. First, governments must ensure that they have the right policy frameworks in place to enable the right technologies. Second, mobile operators, internet service providers, and satellite companies must implement the right affordability metrics. Third, people need to have access to skills, which may require proactively seeking them out. Fourth, individuals must focus on outcomes and understand the role that technology can play in changing their lives and the lives of those around them. Finally, people should not just think about having a mobile phone but also be aware of programs and apps that can help with productivity and enable the creation of new things. By following these five ways, individuals can increase their meaningful access to the internet and empower themselves to take control of their future.
In conclusion, closing the digital divide is an urgent and complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. By addressing policy frameworks, affordability, skills, and outcomes, and embracing AI and inclusive technology, society can work towards ensuring that all individuals have meaningful access to the internet and the opportunities it provides.
Digital Inclusion and Empowerment: Increasing Meaningful Access to the Internet
00:00:00 – 00:05:39
In this podcast episode, Dr Melissa Sassy discusses the need for digital inclusion and empowerment, as 2.7 billion people in the world still lack access to the internet. She emphasizes that meaningful access to the internet goes beyond just affordability and involves having devices, skills, and policies in place. Access to the Internet can lead to economic development and growth, particularly in underserved and underrepresented communities. Dr Sassy shares five ways to increase meaningful access to the Internet, which include building the right network, supporting rural communities, and promoting digital skills and entrepreneurial spirit. She believes that technology can be a powerful tool for generating outcomes and solving the most pressing issues of our time, but it is important that everyone has access to it.
Understanding the Digital Divide: Access and Outcomes
00:05:40 – 00:10:41
The digital divide is a complex issue that affects many aspects of people’s lives, including access to information, education, and political voice. With the COVID-19 pandemic, school shutdowns highlighted the need for internet access and device availability for students to continue their education. Digital literacy and access to the internet are considered human rights as they are essential for personal well-being, applying for jobs, accessing government benefits, and protecting oneself online. The digital divide also affects the unbanked population and those without proper identification. Governments can help bridge the gap by providing access to technology and becoming banks themselves. The challenge is to move beyond access to outcomes, which include making money, improving lives, and having a political and social voice.
Artificial Intelligence: Changing the Digital Divide
00:10:41 – 00:11:33
Artificial Intelligence is changing the digital divide by enabling people who are embracing AI, including chat GPT, to become more productive, sometimes by over 50%. However, this change will create a series of underclass people who are completely lost because they have a closed mind to this technology. This change is happening rapidly and will affect people’s lives in ways they may not expect. While there will be exceptions, most people’s lives will be changed by AI, regardless of their income. This raises concerns about the creation of underclass people who may be left behind because they are unable or unwilling to embrace AI.
The Nuanced Perspective on How AI is Changing the Digital Divide
00:11:33 – 00:16:11
The digital divide, digital inclusion, and digital skills are seen as the core aspects of the funnel that lead to the utilization of technology at the core basic level. AI is seen as a double click on the digital divide, with its own risks and benefits. There are concerns about trust, transparency, and understanding of what goes into algorithms generated by AI. It is important to understand AI to avoid being left behind. Additionally, there is a gender divide in tech, where unconscious bias can impact algorithm creation. Inclusive tech can drive outcomes that make sense for all users.
Increasing Meaningful Access to the Internet: 5 Ways to Make it Happen
00:16:12 – 00:19:45
Melanie is discussing the 5 ways to increase meaningful access to the Internet. The first one is policy where the government needs to ensure that they have the right policy frameworks that enable the right technologies. The second one is affordability where mobile operators, internet service providers, and satellite companies need to have the right affordability metrics in place. Thirdly, people need to have access to skills, and that may mean going out and finding them yourself. Fourthly, people need to be focused on outcomes and understand the role that tech can play to change your life and those around you. Lastly, people should not just think that they should have a mobile phone, but they need to be aware of programs and apps that can help with productivity and enable the creation of new things. Overall, these 5 ways can help increase meaningful access to the Internet and empower people to take control of their future.
