Monday 16 April 2012

Smart Phones Closing the Digital Divide

It found that just one in five adults does not use the internet in America.
“Once someone has a wireless device, she becomes much more active in how she uses the internet not just with wireless connectivity, but also with wired devices,” reads the report “The same holds true for the impact of wireless connections and people’s interest in using the internet to connect with others. These mobile users go online not just to find information but to share what they find and even create new content much more than they did before.”
But while smartphones are boosting internet connectivity among less privileged groups, the financially secure, the well-educated, and young people are still more likely to own smart phones.
Internet use habits are changing, as well. In addition to email and search, more Americans are using the web to access social networks. Internet banking is also on the rise.
It also found that race is not a good indicator of mobile use. Whites are as likely as African Americans and Engish-speaking Latinos to own mobile phones.
“The internet access gap closest to disappearing is that between whites and minorities,” researchers wrote. “Differences in access persist, especially in terms of adults who have high-speed broadband at home, but they have become significantly less prominent over the years and have disappeared entirely when other demographic factors (including language proficiency) are controlled for.”

social ethical issues:
Digital divide is lessening in America between minority groups and people in general. Because of the smart phone people feel more inclined to go online to share what they find.

http://tech.li/2012/04/smartphones-digital-divide/

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