Digital divide refers to the difference or inequality in the use and access to information communication technologies (ICTs) among different demographics and regions (Miranda, Cruz-Cunha, Varajão, & Simoes, 2014). The digital divide is sometimes referred to as the digital gap or digital inequality. Philip, Cottrill, Farrington, Williams, and Ashmore (2017) explain digital divide as the ability or knowledge of using ICTs. This paper discusses digital divide in the society, the ethical issues that it presents, the role of education in the digital divide, and the possible solutions to address the digital divide.

Digital divide arises in the society due to socio-economic differences in education, income, race, and geographical location (rural/urban). Educated people have Digital and ICT literacy skills compared to the uneducated in the society. Furthermore, individuals with better incomes are likely to have Internet and ICT access in their homes compared to individuals with lower incomes. The difference in Internet infrastructure in urban places leads to better access to ICT for urban residents compared to people living in rural areas. The poverty levels significantly affect the access to quality and modern ICTs among populations globally.

Various ethical issues emanating from the digital divide are of paramount importance in addressing this gap. In the study by Miranda et al. (2014), the main concerns of digital divide include the access to ICTs and digital literacy. Digital divide mirrors the divisions apparent in economic, social, and cultural facets of the society. These divisions are established by inequities that exist due to social ills. Therefore, questions arise regarding the obligations of the society in creating a drift towards universal access to ICTs and digital literacy, thereby narrowing the digital gap. A dilemma ensues on who should pay for the drift that will eventually narrow the digital divide. Miranda et al. (2014) attempt to obtain a solution to this dilemma by suggesting that the responsibility lies with the government, ICT foundations, and individuals who yield financial gains from ICT. The use of technology in education introduces ethical issues due to the inequity created by the digital divide. A dilemma ensues on whether learners from different cliques of digital divide should be subjected to similar metrics of evaluation. The learners with better access to ICTs might have an unfair competitive advantage over learners with little or no access to ICT.

Education plays a key role in narrowing the digital gap. According to Philip et al. (2017), education is on the forefront of bridging digital divide compared to other approaches such as the expansion of the expansion of ICTs infrastructure. However, the quality of education, as well as necessary infrastructure relating to technological information, will determine the extent to which digital literacy is emphasized. Also, qualified trainers and comprehensive digital literature ensure that the society is able to narrow down the digital gap. The government may also be involved in educating the public and ensuring digital awareness. Furthermore, the government can also foster digital equity by introduction of free computers to schools and reducing taxation of ICTs.

The digital era is changing fast and, as such, imparting digital literacy to individuals from an early age ensures that they are able to keep up with the technology throughout their lives. In addition, various institutions have been established over the years to specifically train individuals on basic digital literacy. As earlier mentioned, education forms a primary importance in bridging the digital divide. As such, the general public, organizations, and the government should focus on improving education to cater for all classes of the society to effectively acquire digital information. Finally, digital divide can be bridged by the development of better infrastructure which include lowering the electricity and ICTs costs.

References
Miranda, I., Cruz-Cunha, M., Varajão, J., & Simoes, R. (2014). The Impact of the Digital Divide on the Perceived Interest of an e-Marketplace to Support Healthcare and Social Care Services. Procedia Technology, 16, 1471-1476. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.protcy.2014.10.167
Philip, L., Cottrill, C., Farrington, J., Williams, F., & Ashmore, F. (2017). The digital divide: Patterns, policy, and scenarios for connecting the ‘final few’ in rural communities across Great Britain. Journal Of Rural Studies, 54, 386-398. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2016.12.002