The digital divide is a term that denotes the disparity between different socio-economic levels, individuals, households, corporations, and regions in their ability to utilize information and communication technologies. This divide is not merely about having an internet[1] connection, but also the quality of the connection, digital literacy, and the capacity to use the information. Factors such as income, education, race, gender, location, age, skills, awareness, and attitudes contribute to this divide. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the digital divide as the dependence on digital technologies soared. The digital divide has the potential to intensify disparities in education, health, and social aspects among various socio-economic and demographic groups.
The digital divide is the unequal access to digital technology, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and the internet. The digital divide creates a division and inequality around access to information and resources. In the Information Age in which information and communication technologies (ICTs) have eclipsed manufacturing technologies as the basis for world economies and social connectivity, people without access to the Internet and other ICTs are at a socio-economic disadvantage, for they are unable or less able to find and apply for jobs, shop and learn.