h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Great article - a difficult subject covered concisely and fairly comprehensively!

I think we need to be worried about the "digital divide" - the gap between those who have internet access and those who either can't afford it or lack the confidence to take the plunge. Already the best bank accounts are online, as are the best prices on consumer goods, as the article mentions. You can book cinema tickets online, and probably tickets for other events too. In terms of schoolwork, it's an invaluable research tool, and I think teachers ought to be concerned about the relative disadvantage that children without internet access could find themselves at.

I think the internet can be "democratic", but only if access becomes easier and cheaper for everyone. It has already changed society, but I think the benefits of it should be available to all who want them.

Best wishes

Otto.

Good point.

I do feel that it is becoming easy for people to get access to the net. You can pick up an old PC for less than a hundred pounds that would be sufficient for use on the internet. Also, there are lots of internet cafes, expecially with the new "easy everything" chain expanding all the time. So I think people can gain access. The issue is whether they are motivated to. They may find the whole thing a little intimidating, but I think that is changing too. There are lots of short and very cheap internet courses available that give people a good foundation for surfing.

Lee

Another way to access the Internet, at least here in the USA, is at the public library. I can walk five minutes to a branch which is open late a couple of nights a week. They have a number of stations set up, I've never seen them all being used. I'm pretty sure its free to residents of my little town who qualify for library cards. I know an older man who uses it exclusively, even though he has a computer.

Good point. Same in Britain.

The point at which the digital divide becomes most noticeable is between developed countries and those still struggling to get an infrastructure let alone communication networks suitable for internet for all. Even assuming the all could afford computers in the first place.

PD

Very good point PD. It's easy enough to say that the internet revolutionises the way that we live our lives, but what of those with no access, and none in sight? Even today, the majority of people in the world do not even have access to the most basic telephony services, let alone those of a standard sufficient for internet use. Even then, the cost of obtaining a computer and gaining access is overwhelmingly prohibitive in relative terms.

We must remember that to the vast majority of the worlds population, the internet means nothing, and even were they donated computers, satellite uplinks and the like, would ignore it because they have more important things to worry about than being able to bank without ever stepping into a branch.

The internet is not truely a success until its scope can be broadened sufficiently enough so that not only can people in developing countries have access to it, but have access to services and information that is relevant to their needs.