To address the global digital divide, we will first need to have a closer look at what the digital divide is? It basically refers to the gap between those who have access to modern communications and technologies and the ones who don't, which ultimately leads to the disparities to participate in the digital world. With the modern age of AI evolution and technology booming in every sector of day to day living, it is no new to any of us that being digitally knowledgeable and equipped is important. However, there are groups that can not afford digital resources and freedom, making the digital divide even more significant.
The divide is multifaceted and does not just stay limited to access to the internet and technologies but also seeps its way through the infrastructure and skills necessary to utilize these resources and technologies effectively. AI has marked its role in almost each sector and with the rise of it, the digital divide is widening as the AI driven services and tools are integrated into various sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, and finance.
With the difference in the resources available to various sectors of the society alongwith the impact of AI, the digital divide has been seeping into vital necessities of life accounting into major indifference. The following are a few examples:
Economic Inequality: One extremely important factor that defines the condition and well being of countries is economy. When talking about economic inequality in context with the impact of AI, it straightforwardly points toward the difference between affordability of digital infrastructure and leverage of AI driven technologies between different countries and communities. The countries that have a stable digital infrastructure are more exposed to economic growth, better productivity and new industries as compared to the regions with limited access to the technologies which puts them under the risk of falling further behind, exacerbating economic disparities.
Healthcare Inequality: With other sectors just in tow, AI has potentially revolutionized the healthcare system by enabling early diagnosis, making personal treatment a possibility and by efficiently managing the data. However, there is no surprise about the fact that these resources are only made available to people from wealthier regions and smarter technologies. The regions that have no access to these technologies are still depending on the methods that may seem unfit for this modern world, leaving them out and leading to unequal healthcare facilities.
Educational Inequality: The advanced AI powered educational devices help provide personalized experiences in learning which makes it entertaining and interacting to learn. However, this is only limited to the set of communities that can afford to have extraordinary technologies available at the tip of their fingers whilst the ones who can not afford to have these resources to themselves have to deal with educational inequalities.
While there have been multiple trials to put this impact of AI into greater use for all the communities, no matter the socio economic group, there have been some challenges that come along tagged to it. The developing countries when put in contrast with the developed ones lack the necessary digital infrastructure such as high-speed internet and reliable electricity to support AI technologies, along with that the cost of digital devices, AI tools, and internet access remains prohibitive in many low-income regions.
Alongside the issues revolving around money and economy, there is another factor that can not be ignored when bridging the gap, which is the significant disparity in digital literacy and AI related skills between different regions that limits the ability of individuals in underserved regions to effectively use AI technologies. Additionally there are concerns revolving around data and privacy that can not be put to stake as the access to large datasets is crucial for AI development and in many regions, the data is either unavailable or not digitized.
After all of these issues there are a few strategies that could be taken into account to resolve the gap that builds up because of the digital divide. By promoting affordable access to the internet services can do most of the stuff that revolves around it, with investment in digital infrastructure the support of AI could be maximized in regions that are not equipped. Investing into digital literacy and AI related skills is one such method to equip people with better understanding of the technology, which can be made possible by launching certain educational programs. Most importantly, global cooperation that promotes equitable access to AI technologies and addresses the challenges associated with AI deployment is crucial.
In conclusion, addressing the digital divide in the age of AI requires a concerted effort from the powers that can make a difference like the government, private sectors, and international organizations. By focusing on infrastructure development , education, affordability, and inclusive AI practices, it is possible to work towards a more equitable landscape where the benefits of AI are accessible to all, regardless of the geographic and socio-economic barriers.
