The digital divide is a growing problem in the computer science world that doesn't get much mention. Many people who hear the digital divide assume that it only pertains to economic status, however the divide occurs due to health issues, location, age, and general understanding of computers as well. Those who know and understand how to correctly use computers have an overall easier time in most aspects of life. Categories in which the digital divide affect people are education, government, health, entertainment and work.
In the education industry, computers are an essential part of learning. However, schools that cannot afford computers are at a severe disadvantage against schools in better off communities that can buy new technologies. Likewise, if a computer lab is built in a school they still must teach the students how to use them to their best capacity. This can be a problem in a school where computers were never present before because there might not be adequate faculty to teach the students. Also students who own a computer have an easier time filling out college and SAT applications online. They are also more aware of web resources and utilizing the internet to their full learning potential.
In government, things are becoming more and more web based. For example, appointments at the DMV, tax filing, paying off a traffic ticket or 'attending' traffic school can all be done online. Because those who are poorer cannot afford a computer and those who are elderly have less need for a computer, they are at a disadvantage for these opportunities. Instead they have to wait in longer lines at the DMV or risk making errors (such as in tax software that guides you through steps and has a warranty against audits).
For health, the internet has become a useful tool for finding doctors, applying for insurance and even looking up symptoms and household remedies on the internet. Again, elderly and the poor have to look up doctors and insurance the old fashioned (and therefore more long and tedious) way. Also, they may not be able to search for their symptoms and if they don't have health insurance, they are missing out on home solutions to simple health problems that could benefit them. Likewise, people with disabilities who cannot use a computer are also at a disadvantage to making doctors appointments or renewing subscriptions, both of which are available to do on the internet in many places.
In entertainment, the internet is a haven for celebrity gossip, ticket sales, information on movie listing, and guides to city attractions. Without the web, people would have a harder time getting to purchase tickets to a sporting or music event. For example, presale tickets are usually online only now. For people who are looking for a night out, one may check the internet for various events, but without the web it is difficult to find last minute things to do.
Lastly, the digital divide is very prominent in employment. Many employers post jobs on Craigslist or Monster.com. Again, poorer people without a computer miss opportunities for jobs. Another growing problem concerning employment is that many jobs are developing in the tech industry. Those without knowledge of computer skills are at a severe disadvantage for finding a job. As more jobs become tech oriented, more people without computer skills lack employment or funds to purchase a computer, causing a vicious cycle for the less tech savy.
