Homework #7 Digital Divide..Not a Problem

A very unexamined concept of society is the rise of internet and the inequalities associated with accessibility or usage. Many individuals ignore how the internet benefits them but just utilizes the internet for its many benefits. When internet arrived, economic inequality created a similar technology inequality where whole sections of society did not have any access or exposure to the internet. Specifically, blacks and hispanics and older populations hardly used the internet especially in comparison to wealthier, white people. The author makes certain implications which I do not completely understand and disagree with in a variety of ways. All of these associations regarding economic inequality and internet inequality are results of larger institutional problems which are not causal or deadly as the author tries to claim. Typically, individuals with wealth are more inclined to adapt to changes due to economic and innovative abilities. I would like to introduce an example of two Joes who are both working men. However, Joe Smith works in a Detroit auto factory and supports a family of three. Joe Anderson is an executive at an auto company and supports two children. Joe Smith is concerned about putting food on the table, while Joe Anderson is trying to live a life full of new things and experiences. Both Joes are curious about the internet, but computers are 500 dollars. Who is more likely to buy a computer? This is a very simple economic problem where some consumers were willing and able to acquire technologies while others were either willing but not able, able bot not willing or neither. A lot of older people just refused to accept change and did not want to learn how to use computers. However, all of these issues are starting to change in contrast to what the author states. Internet is accessible through public libraries, public schools, and is incredibly cheaper than before. Internet inequality does not cause economic inequality in general as the author proposes, but is just correlated and changing.