#Digital Inequality

[digitaliteracyandlibraries]

What is digital inequality?

Digital inequality is also referred to as the "digital divide." "The digital divide," Charlie Muller and João Paulo de Vasconcelos Aguiar explain, "is the gap between [individuals] with Internet access and [the individuals] without it."

Digital illiteracy is the "lack of ability and skills to create, evaluate, learn, and find information on online media and digital platforms through the usage of technology," as defined by IGI Global.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, society was incentivized to provide more digitized services to provide people with the convenience of accessing information, resources, or paying their bills from the comfort of their home and/or with minimal contact. While it has allowed some aspects of our lives to be easier, it also presents an ignored issue: people's limited accessibility to Internet services and devices outside of their mobile phones.

More people own cell phones than computers, however, they are often only familiar with the mobile versions of websites or programs and may not understand how to interact with the same software on a computer screen. This can affect people's ability to apply for jobs as most businesses are moving their applications online. Children in low-income families are also unable to participate in certain assignments as they require internet access and/or a computer to complete.

For a visual and audio presentation on the digital divide, watch the following video.

The Digital Divide, Explained

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[ivygorgon]

AN OPEN LETTER to THE U.S. CONGRESS

Fund the Affordable Connectivity Program NOW!

130 so far! Help us get to 250 signers!

I’m a concerned constituent writing to urge you to fund the Affordable Connectivity Program or ACP. Digital connectivity is a basic necessity in our modern world and the internet must be treated as a public utility. We use the internet to apply for jobs, perform our jobs, receive telehealth medical treatment, and pay bills, and students use it to complete homework assignments. But for millions of people in rural and urban areas, and Tribal communities, the internet is a luxury they cannot afford. Failure by Congress to fund this program will force millions of households already on tight budgets to choose between being able to stay online or potentially losing access to this essential service. If Congress doesn’t act fast, funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program will run out and more than 22 million Americans -- 1 in 6 households -- will lose this vital service. The implications of this will be devastating. In 2019, 18% of Native people living on Tribal land had no internet access; 33% relied on cell phone service for the internet; and 39% had spotty or no connection to the internet at home on their smart phone. The ACP has enrolled 320,000 households on Tribal lands -- important progress. The largest percentage gains in broadband access are in rural areas. Nearly half of military families are enrolled in ACP, as are one in four African American and Latino households. Losing access and training on using computers and the internet will have devastating impacts on all these communities as technology becomes increasingly integral to work, education, health, and our everyday lives. Without moves to address tech inequality, low-income communities and communities of color are heading towards an “unemployment abyss.” The Affordable Connectivity Program has broad bipartisan support because it is working. As your constituent, I am urging you to push for renewed funding for the ACP before it runs out in the coming weeks.

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VOICE OF THE VOICELESS

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Mental Barf 2023

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Advance digital equity today or usher in a future of egregious economic inequality - Connect Humanity

At Marconi Society’s “Decade of Digital Inclusion” conference last year, we heard from leaders in technology and digital equity. What follows is a précis of my remarks and some additional reflections for the session, ‘The (Big) Data Economy: Inclusion and Fairness’, in which I focus on the importance of digital equity now to secure a future that works for all.

When ‘good enough’, isn’t good enough

Rural and low-income communities have been expected to make-do with antiquated infrastructure and low-performing technologies offered at high costs, such as legacy copper (DSL) or coaxial cable networks, or satellite service. Time and again, communities are told not to expect fiber-based networks, but to settle for whatever technology is offered to them. In his book, Farm Fresh Broadband, Christopher Ali calls this the “politics of good enough”.

Digital inclusion — having access to quality broadband infrastructure, devices, and the digital skills to use them — is key to upward mobility. It is a portal to healthcare and education, a platform to start and grow a business, and the first rung on the ladder to a well paid job.

For much of the 20th Century, individuals were able to enter the middle class, with or without a college degree, through jobs in manufacturing and retail. Today most jobs have a digital component and employers across sectors look for candidates with well-honed digital skills. If you haven’t grown up with access to data and devices, you’re starting at a disadvantage. And if you don’t have a computer and a connection, good luck applying for a job in a world where recruitment happens almost entirely online.

Digital exclusion doesn’t just punish job seekers, it holds back the creation of jobs in the first place. When a community doesn’t have the fiber infrastructure to attract and retain 21st century businesses, it loses out on so many fronts. Fewer work opportunities. A lower tax base. Less activity in the local economy. Higher unemployment — and the economic and social costs that often follow in distressed communities.

Digital inclusion is economic inclusion

‘Digital exclusion’ is ‘economic exclusion’. By maintaining the digital divide, this politics of ‘good enough’ will perpetuate ever greater income and wealth inequality. By the same token, ‘digital inclusion is economic inclusion’ and by pursuing what Jonathan Sallet calls broadband networks ‘fit for the future’ we can start unwinding the entrenched poverty that has robbed communities of a brighter future.

We cannot miss this moment. The longer we wait to close the digital divide, the harder it’ll be for those on the wrong side to catch up. We have the technology, the established research methodologies and data sets, and best practices. We have business and operating models, philanthropy, and, in the U.S., the Community Reinvestment Act, that can support the connection of low-income, BIPOC, and rural communities that large national providers have not served equitably. Let’s heed the warning of one of our most trusted leaders in broadband policy, Blair Levin: “…our country may take the biggest backwards step any country has ever taken in increasing, rather than closing, the digital divide.” Let’s not blindly proceed on that path. 

Civic participation at its best

There are local and regional ISPs, co-ops, local governments, and community partners across the country who are rolling up their sleeves and building next generation broadband networks for underserved communities. And they know better than to aim for the minimum speed, i.e., the FCC’s definition of 25/3 mbps that seems to be frozen in time, driven by a scarcity narrative in a world where accelerating technology demands require that networks ‘fit for the future’ offer far greater speeds. This is civic participation at its best — and the government, philanthropy, and the private sector must support these efforts.

Rather than wasting time entertaining inaccurate, unreliable, expensive maps (at least $44 million for the new FCC “Federal Broadband Map” by CostQuest) and catering to powerful companies that write the rules and misrepresent their service, we must engage with communities to understand their needs, their context, and work with them to shape our shared digital future. This is the work I joined Connect Humanity to do, with a special focus on the Texas-Mexico border region. 

When we make investments in local communities, we support an inclusive economy and opportunities for under-represented groups to use, create, and own assets in the digital economy. That level of inclusion is necessary for a diversity of people to become the makers and shapers of fair algorithms, the owners of local and regional  ISPs, the ethical managers of the internet of things, and the leaders who engage communities to make policy and law to protect people from the deleterious use of big data and AI.

Here’s a link to replay the panel.

[futurefatum]

How Elites Will Collapse America Like Rome (Tone: 100)

September 3rd, 2024 by @TomBilyeu How Elites Will Collapse America Like Rome: BlackRock, Trump vs Kamala & Market Crash | Whitney Webb ABOUT THIS VIDEO: This video discusses the potential collapse of the United States, drawing parallels to the fall of the Roman Empire. Whitney Webb, an investigative journalist, explores the role of influential entities like BlackRock in shaping U.S. fiscal…

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Navigating Life's Wilderness: Recognizing and Overcoming Signs of Chaos

Discover how to navigate life's wilderness and transform challenges into opportunities! Dive into Hafsa Reasoner's Empowered Journey for insights on resilience, self-awareness, and overcoming obstacles. Subscribe now for more empowering content!

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Against Britcoin and The Digital Pound

As the digital age advances, the concept of money is evolving beyond physical coins and banknotes into the realm of digital currencies. One such development is the proposed "Britcoin," a digital version of the British pound. While this initiative promises to bring convenience and modernity to financial transactions, it also raises significant concerns. It's crucial to scrutinise the implications of Britcoin and advocate for a cautious approach to its adoption.

What is Britcoin?

Britcoin, the proposed digital pound, is envisioned as a state-backed digital currency, aiming to complement physical cash and existing digital payment systems. This initiative is part of a broader trend where countries are exploring central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) to streamline monetary transactions, reduce costs, and provide a government-backed alternative to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

The Promised Benefits

Proponents of Britcoin highlight several potential benefits:

Efficiency and Speed: Digital transactions can be executed instantly, improving the efficiency of financial operations for both consumers and businesses.

Financial Inclusion: Britcoin could offer financial services to unbanked or underbanked populations, providing them access to secure and efficient payment methods.

Reduced Costs: Digital currency can potentially lower the costs associated with printing, storing, and transporting physical money.

Enhanced Security: With advanced encryption and blockchain technology, digital currencies can offer robust security against fraud and counterfeiting.

The Concerns

Despite these advantages, the introduction of Britcoin raises several red flags:

Privacy Issues: Digital currencies are inherently traceable, which could lead to increased surveillance of financial transactions by the state. This threatens individual privacy and could be misused for unwarranted tracking of personal spending habits.

Centralization Risks: The control of Britcoin by a central authority, such as the Bank of England, centralizes financial power, potentially leading to misuse or policy decisions that may not reflect the best interests of the public.

Cybersecurity Threats: As a digital entity, Britcoin would be susceptible to cyberattacks. A breach could have catastrophic consequences, destabilizing the financial system and leading to significant economic losses.

Technological Dependence: A move towards digital currency increases dependence on technology and infrastructure. In cases of technical failures or power outages, access to money could be disrupted, affecting daily life and business operations.

Economic Inequality: While intended to promote financial inclusion, Britcoin could exacerbate existing inequalities if its implementation doesn't consider those without access to digital technologies or the internet.

The Need for Vigilance

Given these potential drawbacks, it's imperative to approach Britcoin with caution. Here's how we can advocate for a balanced and thoughtful consideration of this digital currency:

Demand Transparency: Push for clear and transparent communication from the government and financial institutions about the development and implementation of Britcoin. Public consultations and debates should be encouraged to address concerns and gather diverse viewpoints.

Privacy Protections: Insist on robust privacy measures to ensure that users' financial data is protected from misuse and unwarranted surveillance. This could involve stringent regulations and oversight mechanisms.

Cybersecurity Measures: Advocate for the highest standards of cybersecurity to safeguard against potential threats. This includes regular audits, risk assessments, and investment in cutting-edge security technologies.

Inclusivity Plans: Ensure that plans for Britcoin include provisions for those without access to digital technologies, such as rural populations and the elderly. This could involve providing alternative methods of access or maintaining physical cash options.

Legal Frameworks: Call for the establishment of comprehensive legal frameworks that govern the use, distribution, and regulation of Britcoin. These frameworks should protect users and ensure the stability of the financial system.

While the advent of Britcoin represents a significant step towards modernizing the financial landscape, it's essential to proceed with caution. By understanding the potential risks and advocating for robust safeguards, we can ensure that the digital pound serves the public interest without compromising privacy, security, or inclusivity. The fight against a hasty and ill-considered rollout of Britcoin is not about resisting progress but about ensuring that progress benefits everyone fairly and equitably.

[rodaportal]

Capitalism to Techno-Feudalism: The Evolution of Economic Systems

🌟 Dive into the intriguing world of economic evolution with our latest video "Capitalism to Techno-Feudalism: The Evolution of Economic Systems"! 🚀 Join us as we explore the rise of tech giants, wealth inequality, and strategies for navigating this digital landscape. Featuring insights from renowned economist Yanis Varoufakis.

Watch now:

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Religions Shape And Social Trends. READ MORE

[truonguyennha]

WEEK 10: DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP AND CONFLICT: SOCIAL MEDIA GOVERNANCE

This piece of writing will discuss online harassment, with a focus on how to best solve and deal with the issue. 

WHAT IS ONLINE HARASSMENT?

Jones et al. (2013, p. 54, as cited in Haslop et al., 2021, p. 1420) define online harassment as the behaviors that are unwanted and offensive targeting directly at other people through modern technology channels, for instance, the internet. Online harassment can exist in various forms, for example: directly sending abuse messages, sexual images, spreading rumors, and so forth (Haslop et al., 2021, p. 1420).

THE REALTITY

According to Pew Research Centre & Southern and Harmer (2017; 2019, as cited in Haslop et al., 2021, p. 1420), online harassment is more likely to happen to women than men. A YouGov survey, including 2121 women and 1738 male participants, reports that sexual images have been sent to 40% of women participating in the survey without their requests, while only 26% of male participants have been sent those images (Smith 2018, as cited in Haslop et al., 2021, p. 1420). This phenomenon can be explained through the “nature” of online space, which is now considered a “public space”, where if women want to ensure their safety, they must exclude their presence from the space (Vitis & Gilmour, 2016, p. 339). Furthermore, Keraian & Megarry (2014; 2014, as cited in Vitis & Gilmour, 2016, p. 339) add that once women choose to participate in the digital space, they must take harassment and attack as an apparent and normal experience.

THE CONSEQUENCES

Being harassed online, numerous women chose to censor themselves to minimize the risk of further online harassment in the future (Lenhart et al., 2016, as cited in Haslop et al., 2021, p. 1421). Others change their names in the online world, reduce their time appearing online, become more selective in choosing what online site to use, or even shut down every online account (Gumbus & Meglich, 2013, p. 48; Franks, 2012, as cited in Vitis & Gilmour, 2016, p. 339). The “nature” of the online space causes these negative consequences, leading to demotivation and a decrease in women's engagement with online sites (Haslop et al., 2021, p. 1421).

HOW SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS, AS ONLINE PLATFORMS, HELP FIGHT AGAINST ONLINE HARASSMENT?

Meta’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger, and TikTok are now putting a lot of effort into controlling and preventing online harassment. Meta has used many strategies to control and prevent this issue, such as users reporting inappropriate content (e.g.: sexual images or offensive content) to Meta (Figure 1), Meta limiting and restricting connections between some specific user groups (Figure 2), etc. More information can be found on Meta: Prevent bullying and harassment). As for TikTok, the platform allows its users to control who can message them and who they can send messages to by having different options for setting their direct message (Figure 3); offensive comments can be filtered, and users can control who can comment under their videos (Figure 4); other strategies are shown in TikTok: Bullying prevention. The strategies that are used by these social media platforms help remove content that is harmful to users and allow users to actively protect themselves.

Figure 1: Meta's strategies in controlling and preventing online harassment

Figure 2: Meta's strategies in controlling and preventing online harassment

Figure 3: TikTok's strategy in controlling and preventing online harassment

Figure 4: TikTok's strategies in controlling and preventing online harassment

ONLINE HARASSMENT MUST BE SOLVED FROM THE ROOT

Although social media platforms have used many strategies to prevent and control online harassment as mentioned above, those strategies are unbale to fully solve the issue. Schoenebeck et al. (2023, p. 4) claim that people’s behavior will not be changed after their social media accounts are banned or their inappropriate content is removed; additionally, removing content or banning users do not motivate people to not harass others in the online world.

THE SOLUTIONS FOR DEALING AND SOLVING ONLINE HARASSMENT

To truly and fully deal with online harassment, it is suggested that education, especially digital citizenship education, must be involved. The reason is that digital citizenship education teaches people to behave legally, ethically, and safely when they are appearing in the online world (Heath, 2018, p. 343). In addition, digital citizenship education also makes people become one of the three types of citizens, including “personally responsible citizens”, “participatory citizens”, and “justice-oriented citizens” (Heath, 2018, p. 345) or makes people become a citizen that has all those three characteristics. Digital citizenship education educates people on how they should behave online and in the long run, it can change their behaviors.

EXAMPLE

Thanks to digital citizenship education, some people become “participatory citizens," which refers to citizens who engage and participate in the community in order to solve social problems (Heath, 2018, p. 345). Anna Gensler (IG account: Instagranniepants) is a highlight example. As she has been harassed online and talked disrespectfully on online dating sites, as an artist and as a digital citizen, she has decided to fight against online harassment through her drawings (Figure 5). As stated in the article, “The intention of Gensler’s art is thus to ‘objectify back’, educate, name inappropriate behavior, punish perpetrators and assert herself.” (Vitis & Gilmour, 2016).

Figure 5: Anna Gensler as a participatory citizen

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, online harassment causes digitized inequality for women as it demotivates them from participating in the digital world. Although various social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, are now putting efforts into controlling and preventing online harassment, they are still solving the surface of the issue. In order to fully solve online harassment, digital citizenship education is the most prioritized strategy.

REFERNCES

Haslop, C., O’Rourke, F., & Southern, R. (2021). #NoSnowflakes: The toleration of harassment and an emergent gender-related digital divide, in a UK student online culture. Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies, 27(5), 1418–1438. https://doi.org/10.1177/1354856521989270

Heath, M. K. (2018). What kind of (digital) citizen? The International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, 35(5), 342–356. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijilt-06-2018-0067

Schoenebeck, S., Lampe, C., & Triệu, P. (2023). Online Harassment: Assessing Harms and Remedies. Social Media + Society, 9(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1177/20563051231157297

Vitis, L., & Gilmour, F. (2016). Dick pics on blast: A woman’s resistance to online sexual harassment using humour, art and Instagram. Crime, Media, Culture: An International Journal, 13(3), 335–355. https://doi.org/10.1177/1741659016652445

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Tom A. I. Riddle: The Dark Side of the Digital Horcrux

Artificial Intelligence has taken us by storm. In my blog this week, I look at the dark side of AI. From the control by a select few to its potential social and global disruptions, this essay delves into the digital horcrux that is AI. #AI #DigitalHorcrux

Over the past weekend, I had the opportunity to dine with some very smart people: engineers and entreprenuers, all alumni of GIKI, Pakistan. They had insightful things to say about a range of issues, from the oil and gas sector to American geopolitical power, the economy, and all the way to AI and industrial automation. Continue reading Untitled

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INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR ERADICATION OF POVERTY

It would be nice if the poor were to get even half of the money that is spent in studying them. We are providing digital posters for 7 days free trial