5 reasons to care for digital equity
In the 18th century society was divided into two, those who could read and write and those who couldn’t.
In the 21st century it’s almost the same, we have a divided global society in which those who are able to regularly connect to the internet are afforded many more advantages than those who can’t.
Here are five reasons why you should care about digital equity:
1. Access to digital resources is essential for success in today's world: In many aspects of modern life, access to digital resources such as computers, internet, and mobile devices is necessary for success. Without access to these resources, individuals may find it difficult or impossible to access educational opportunities, job opportunities, healthcare services, participate in civic activities, get access to essential information or participate in society at the same level.
2. Digital equity is essential for promoting economic growth: In today's digital economy, access to technology and digital resources is essential for businesses and individuals to thrive. By promoting digital equity, we can help ensure that everyone has equal access to the tools and resources they need to succeed in the digital economy, which can promote economic growth and reduce disparities. There is not only a benefit to individuals but also to society as a whole, a 10% increase in people able to access the internet will increase a country's GDP by .08%.
“If for example the country of Niger, improved school connectivity to Finnish levels it could increase GDP per capita by almost 20 percent!”
3. Digital equity can help reduce disparities in education: Access to digital resources is essential for students to succeed in today's education system. By promoting digital equity, we can help ensure that students from all backgrounds have access to the tools and resources they need to succeed in school, which can help reduce disparities in education. A Unicef report in 2020 stated that if for example the country of Niger, improved school connectivity to Finnish levels it could increase GDP per capita by almost 20 percent!
4. Digital equity is essential for promoting social equity: Access to digital resources is often closely linked to other forms of equity, such as racial, economic, and social equity. By promoting digital equity, we can help reduce disparities in these areas and promote social equity. This is especially true when it comes to women who in the developing world where there are 25% fewer women than men with internet access and in some regions like sub Saharan Africa this rises to 40%.
5. Digital equity is essential for promoting civic engagement: Access to digital resources is necessary for individuals to participate in civic activities, such as voting, accessing government services, and participating in community organizations. By promoting digital equity, we can help ensure that everyone has equal access to these essential aspects of civic life. If we consider this, how can a society be healthy if only some of the people are getting this access and some are not.
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