Faculty Responses to the Digital Divide
Prof. Biddick | Prof. Hachen | Prof. Barry
Prof. Barry
Understanding your background in the Net group, can we assume that you believe the Internet is a revolutionary tool?
Yes.
If it is indeed revolutionary, does that mean all members in a democracy should have access to the Net?
Yes.
What is the feasibility of providing the Internet to all of these people?
I think it is very feasible if you consider public access sites as adequate for some portion of the population.
Who should take on the responsibility of providing this service?
Many public libraries have already taken on this responsibility.
Do you think the Digital Divide, the gap that exists
between those who have and those who do not have access
to technology (telephones, computers, Internet access)
and related services, is hype?
No, I don't. I think that even though public access is valuable there is a significant difference from those that have access in their homes. Though I believe public access serves a purpose I think those without more convenient access don't have the same benefits from the availability of the net as those that do.
Are there bigger problems we should be addressing in
both domestic and international democracies?
Yes.
Is equality of opportunity to technology necessary to
democracy?
No, I think that though we have unequal access now doesn't make us less of a democracy. There is also a difference between access and utilization. Having access to the web won't mean that people will use it to further their participation in democratic processes. The TV is a good example of a resource that has valuable content available but that is primarily used for entertainment. I see the same type of potential for division among uses for the web.
Should it be or is it already required for all people to possess technological skills in today's society with the growing use of the Net to pay bills online etc.?
I think at this point it is a convenience not a necessity. On the other hand employment opportunities are more abundant for those with some technical skills.
How do we close the gap for older generations who
grew up without this technology? What about those in the
US who cannot afford it? What about international
democracies?
I think the older generations is easiest because many are learning how to use technology and in a relatively short time attrition will change the demographic.
I think in the US, where there are significant resources available,
public access can minimize the impact of economic power in accessing
the web. For international democracies with fewer resources this will
be a greater challenge but at this point one that should take a back
seat to more pressing issues of poverty, human rights, etc.
