Difference between old and new economy digital divide

The digital divide refers to the gap between individuals, households, communities, or countries that have access to digital technologies and those that do not. The concept of the digital divide has evolved over time, and there are significant differences between the old and new economy digital divides.

Old Economy Digital Divide (1990s-2000s)

The old economy digital divide was characterized by:

  1. Access to technology: The primary concern was access to computers, the internet, and other digital technologies. Many people, especially in low-income and rural areas, lacked access to these technologies.
  2. Cost and affordability: The cost of computers and internet access was a significant barrier to adoption. Many people could not afford the hardware and connectivity costs.
  3. Digital literacy: The lack of digital literacy skills, such as basic computer skills and online navigation, was a major obstacle to effective use of digital technologies.
  4. Geographic disparities: Urban-rural disparities were significant, with urban areas generally having better access to digital technologies than rural areas.
  5. Socioeconomic disparities: The digital divide was also influenced by socioeconomic factors, such as income, education, and occupation. Those with higher socioeconomic status had better access to digital technologies.

New Economy Digital Divide (2010s-present)

The new economy digital divide is characterized by:

  1. Mobile-first access: The widespread adoption of mobile devices has changed the way people access the internet. Many people now access the internet primarily through their mobile phones.
  2. Broadband penetration: The availability of high-speed internet (broadband) has become a critical factor in the digital divide. Many areas, especially rural and low-income communities, still lack access to reliable and affordable broadband.
  3. Digital skills: The new economy digital divide is more about the skills and competencies needed to effectively use digital technologies, such as data analysis, coding, and online collaboration.
  4. Digital inequality: The new economy digital divide is more about the unequal distribution of digital opportunities, such as access to online education, job training, and healthcare services.
  5. Global connectivity: The new economy digital divide is a global phenomenon, with many countries struggling to bridge the gap between those with and without access to digital technologies.
  6. Social media and online platforms: The rise of social media and online platforms has created new opportunities for digital inclusion, but also new challenges, such as online harassment and misinformation.
  7. Artificial intelligence and automation: The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in various industries has created new concerns about job displacement and the need for workers to develop new skills.

In summary, the old economy digital divide was primarily about access to technology, cost, and digital literacy, while the new economy digital divide is more about the skills and competencies needed to effectively use digital technologies, as well as the unequal distribution of digital opportunities and the global connectivity of digital technologies.