The digital divide is real

You've probably heard the term "digital divide". Oxford Languages defines it as "the gulf between those who have ready access to computers and the Internet, and those who do not". The divide may have different causes depending on where you live. In the area where I grew up, the issue is infrastructure. The area is rural, so in many cases there is no cable or even DSL. The only option may be satellite, which can be expensive and not so fast. A story to illustrate this point: my cousin and his family were relocating back to the area from a major metropolitan area. He came back before his wife and child to oversee the finishing construction on their new home. Of course, he needed to work while he was here. He was part of a group of people running a hedge fund, and this requires fast, reliable internet. Where did he end up doing this work? From the apartment of his grandmother who's in her 90s. As he said, she was the only one in the family (aunts, uncles, etc.) for whom high speed home internet was available.

Other causes may include lack of finances or perceived lack of familiar with technology. I have really seen this during the Covid-19 pandemic. Our company, like many others, accepts applications online only. Prior to the pandemic, the local unemployment offices and libraries had available computers that job seekers could use. These, of course, were, and in many cases remain, closed. Our state, again, like many others, only accepts unemployment claims online. If you don't have a device or aren't computer savvy, where do you go since the libraries and unemployment offices are closed? These two places were also where people went to print paperwork for their interviews and/or new jobs. I've run into issues with that recently as a recruiter. Finally, my employer joined the legion of companies that went to virtual interviews. This requires candidates to have a device, internet, and some level of comfort with technology. 

The digital divide is real. It is something we as a society need to be mindful of to prevent people from missing opportunities that require technology and internet access.