Digital divides

I have often said that the digital divide, if there is one, isn't where people think it is. It is not about income, it is not about class and it certainly isn't about age. I am listening as I write to a lady politician talking enthusiastically, and knowledgeably, about her blog, her Facebook page and social media generally and while it would indelicate of me to guess her age suffice to say she isn't Gen Y!

Comments

[Nick Reynolds]

Is it about access? Behaviour?

[Euan W Semple]

Attitude

[Michael Clarke]

It's about finding something that suits who you are and what you do. And about access - many "Gen Y" young people don't have a facebook profile or a Bebo page or whatever because they simply don't have a computer or an internet connection. There's a whole digital underclass growing up, especially as HE continues to assume that owning a computer and a broadband connection is a utility as basic as water. It isn't for everyone, even in the 'developed' world.

[Mary Reid]

Actually, Euan, I'm 52 and proud of it.

[Mary Reid]

Oh dear - I meant 62. My laptop lies about its age!

[Euan W Semple]

I'd never have guessed (and you'll have to work out which comment I am referring to!)

Really nice to have met you Mary.

[Euan W Semple]

Michael I am not sure with the proliferation of mobiles and their increasing ability to do this stuff that broadband is going to remain such an obstacle. Speaking to someone from Bangalore yesterday he said that mobile use and access to social sites is spreading very fast even in very deprived areas.

Can you explain "HE"

[Shane McCracken]

Couldn't agree more. Those with poor IT skills do find it harder but if they want to do "it" they can.

www.innercitytales.com is one of my favourite uses of MySpace from a brilliant community activist in a very deprived part of Bristol called Lawrence Hoo. He has also published a book of poetry and photography suported by local businesses highlighting the problems of Easton. Traditionally you would have seen Lawrence as being on the wrong side of the digital divide but he has the right attitude.

BTW HE I suspect is Higher Education.

[Joe Little]

I think there is an element of age in this. If its availabel and your peers are using it then you feel you have persmission to do so. But I also think there is another factor involved here and I'm keen to understand the Generation V concept that some people are just naturally tuned into using technology to their advantage regardless of age and access. Whoever cracks the solution for those not Generation V will crack web 2.0 in the enterprise I'm sure.

[Euan W Semple]

And will non Generation V gradually reduce or will it persist as a percentage of the population?

[Bob H]

I think the digital divide is not between rural and city, but rather social inclusion and educational. All issues that are more indicative of society in general than just technological availability.

(blogged on my side)

[david cushman]

Those who want to believe they are still in control don't, those who would rather understand how they can join in, do

[Mary Reid]

I forgot to say that I had blogged about you and included a photo of you showing a photo of me on www.maryreid.org.uk.

[Euan W Semple]

I know - thanks to that RSS feed of searches of my name that I mentioned!

:-)

[Dominic Campbell]

This is a subject that fascinates me. Here's a presentation I gave to Intellect recently on the subject.

I'm in total agreement that Gen Y is a state of mind rather than an age.

http://snurl.com/2alaw

[Euan W Semple]

Thanks for the link Dominic - interesting.

[Andy Tedd]

The generational difference are not so much in use of technology, but in attitudes to use of technoloogy.

EG Boomer:
"ohmygod I can get all my Rolling Stones LPs on small white computer the size of a fag packet"

Gen Y
"Who are the Rolling Stones and what is an LP? And how many times have I told you don't smoke!"