Digital Divide and Its Dimensions

Abstract

Information communication and technology (ICT) has brought about revolutionary change in the life style of common man. Usage of technology is now mandatory for every transaction made by two or more persons staying in distant places. Mobile number and e-mail ID are believed to be the genuine identities of any person or institution in the contemporary world. However, spread of ICT and its applications is uneven in developing countries with particular reference to India. While the rich and influential people make use of latest technology and its related applications, others are unable to do so. They suffer from stale and outdated technology and many more do not have access to ICT on account of their geographical position, illiteracy ignorance, and the like reasons. This gap between haves and have-nots of ICT is termed as “digital divide.” While high income countries, over 90% of the population is using internet, and in lower income countries, less than 10% of the population uses it.