Digital World

The Digital World

References

• Burnett, G. (2008). Digital divide. In S. Clegg, & J. R. Bailey, International encyclopedia of organization studies. Sage Publications. Credo Reference: https://go.openathens.net/redirector/rasmussen.edu?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.credoreference.com%2Fcontent%2Fentry%2Fsageorgstud%2Fdigital_divide%2F0%3FinstitutionId%3D4286
• Pentland, A. “Sandy.” (2013). The Data-Driven Society. Scientific American, 309(4), 78.
• technology. (2000). In A. G. Johnson, The Blackwell dictionary of sociology (2nd ed.). Blackwell Publishers. Credo Reference: https://go.openathens.net/redirector/rasmussen.edu?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.credoreference.com%2Fcontent%2Fentry%2Fbksoc%2Ftechnology%2F0%3FinstitutionId%3D4286

What leads to a Digital Divide?

• Access to technology
• Socioeconomic status
• Age
• personal interest
• Geographic location

Symbolic Interaction Theory

Digital Divide

The digital divide can be influenced by multiple factors as above. For example, the elderly are less inclined to use technology, being in the digital world can be expensive, and one's residence must have the capability to provide internet.

• The gap between those who have easy access to technology and those that don't. As well as having the proper skills to make use of the technology available.

Explains the meaning of human actions and processes through which people communicate shared meaning.

• Information accessibility
• Information utilization
• Information receptiveness

• Meaning
• Language
• Thought

Conflict Theory

Conflicts between people with differing interest, values, and resources creating change.

• Competition
• Inequality of power and reward
• Social Change

How Has Society Changed?

In the last few decades, the word has changes drastically. Twenty years ago, cell phones were still rare, the internet was only catching on, there was no texting, no social media, nor Face time calls.

What Contributed to this Change?

• Creation of high speed internet
• Email
• Web cam/Skype
• Instant messaging

Technology and Development

Combating the Divide

Conflict Theory: Inequality is apparent in this new world. There is unequal access to computers and mobile devices. Social media offers many examples of social change through conflicts of interest, values, and resources. People want power and/or change within these interest/values .

Symbolic Interaction theory: People attach different meanings to words and symbols. Digital growth has changed the meaning and the way we deliver it.. meaning that the same message could be sent to four different people and all have different meanings.

• Information professionals can provide the information and reference needed to help individuals learn and utilize technology.
• Develop social and economic programs to help people gain knowledge regarding technology despite socioeconomic status.
• Leapfrog the digital divide by providing access through mobile devices as opposed to bulkier hardware.
• Better security settings and improved menu navigation must be kept in mind.

Technology that existed and the changes that occurred

• Pen pals---> Instant message
• In person meeting ---> Zoom Chat
• Applying for a job at site--->Interview at home (in your underwear).
• Trade of goods internationally ---> Virtual trade from anywhere
• Learning and research (paper)---> Learn digitally (like now)
• Shopping in a department store---> Online shopping

Our hobbies, jobs, communication/relationships haven't changed.. but the way we do these activities have. Through growth of technology the last few decades everything is new or changed.