Digital Divide

The gap between people who have effective access to digital technologies and those who do not, encompassing differences in internet connectivity, device ownership, digital skills, and the ability to meaningfully use technology. The digital divide disproportionately affects older adults, people with disabilities, low-income communities, rural populations, and people in developing countries. It is not simply about access to hardware — it includes the knowledge, confidence, and support needed to use technology effectively. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and deepened digital divides as essential services like healthcare, education, and social connection moved online.