“Digital inclusion vs digital exclusion…”
These terms may sound like the name of a fight event…and when looking at it from a certain angle, one could assert that it is indeed! Intrigued? Continue reading.
Needless to say, we are currently in an era of massive Digital Transformation, and ICT (Information and Communication Technology) has made digital literacy in all industries essential and pressing. A significant gap has been created between those who can easily access the internet and handle apps and those who cannot. The reasons for this gap in access to technology vary from lack of education and language barrier to resistance to new technology, less revenue, etc.
In Belgium for instance, about 10% of the population does not have access to the internet at home, 8% have never used the internet, and 32% do not know how to use apps or softwares. This is what is referred to as “digital exclusion”.
Facing this societal problem, the concept of Digital Inclusion has emerged. What is it? In a few words, it is the effort induced to facilitate the access of individuals and groups to information and communications technologies. Digital inclusion aims to pave the way for our society’s readiness to embrace our digital era. The effort includes being able to access the internet, and the availability of hard/software, digital content, and services.
As a matter of fact, different organizations are tackling the subject by having a multilayer approach for those who have recently been called “digital novices”. For instance, the EU has put in place several activities to make ICT more accessible and empower citizens to fight marginalization and social exclusion linked to digital exclusion.
Digital inclusion vs digital exclusion…who will win? The coming months and years will surely show us the tendency. Notwithstanding, team “Digital Inclusion” here. 😊
Article was written by Christopher Opoku Mensah-Boateng from Taleo Consulting.