Bridging the digital divide: what is it and how can it be reduced?

Did you know that almost 87% of people in developed countries use the Internet, while the same figure in developing countries drops to 47%? This is reflected in data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), an agency of the United Nations (UN).

Although many advances have been made in this area, the data also demonstrate the deep digital divide separating citizens worldwide. The fact that only part of the global population has access to and knows how to use information technologies creates profound inequalities and impedes the economic development of a majority of individuals. 

In this article, we explain all about bridging the digital divide.

What does bridging the digital divide mean?

For some, making an appointment at the doctor, shopping online or saving a document to the cloud is part of their daily life, while for others it is a fantasy because they simply don't have the devices required or the basic skills to do so. This is due to the existing digital divide, in other words, the inequality that exists between various population groups in terms of accessing, using, and the impact of new information and communication technologies (ICT). 

The United Nations, within its Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, warns that digital divides "reflect and amplify existing social, cultural and economic inequalities." For example, in two out of three countries, men use the web more than women, while migrants, refugees, the elderly and rural populations register much lower internet access. Hence the need to bridge this digital divide.

Digital divide examples and the causes

The truth is that there isn't just one single digital divide; on the contrary, there are many types with varied causes. Below, we detail the main digital divide examples: access, use and generational.

The access divide

This example of digital divide refers to the inability certain groups face in accessing ICT. While there are multiple causes, these tend to be related to socio-economic differences between population segments or between countries. 

Some of the main causes are the fact that not all countries can invest the necessary public funds to create infrastructure that provides internet access, while on a more individual basis, not everyone can afford to buy electronic devices or pay for access to the cloud. Besides a lack of income, the access divide also covers certain other limitations, such as old age or a low level of education.

Use divide

This is the gap that leads to poor digital skills. This lack of training prevents many people from using ICT on a personal or professional level. 

Not bridging this digital divide has clear consequences, such as the inability to access more qualified jobs, or that a large part of the population is excluded from certain services, such as securing medical appointments or dealing with administrative formalities, which improve the quality of life for those who use them.

The generation divide

Technology affects all aspects of our life, but there is one segment of the population - the oldest - that has been slower to adapt to the changes and has thus not received any training in digital skills - a gap that widens even further when economic and geographical inequalities are combined with this age factor. 

Meanwhile, it's also important to mention the difficulties - in terms of access and training - that anyone with disabilities has to contend with, since, in addition to a lack of infrastructure, money, and/or training, there is also a dearth of devices and websites designed for people with special needs.

What are the consequences of not bridging the digital divide?

The lack of access to digital media produces and exacerbates the divide between some population groups and others. A clear example of this was witnessed during the many months of lockdown sparked by the Covid-19 pandemic, when only those students with access to technology were able to continue their schooling more or less normally. Conversely, those with no smartphone or computer couldn’t bridge the digital divide and found that the basic right to education ceased to be a reality for them.

Another consequence of not bridging the digital divide is reflected in employment, since a lack of digital skills impedes access to the world of work for a significant part of society. In fact, in Europe alone, some 85% of jobs require candidates to have a basic level of digital skills, according to the study Digital Skills, Inclusion and Employment. However, 42% of Europeans lack these basic digital skills, with 56% of SMEs reporting that vacancies for ICT specialists are difficult to fill, according to data from the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI).

Bridging the digital divide

Organisations such as the UN or the EU have designed programmes to try to bridge the digital divide between collectives, and between countries. The creation of specific training programmes, funding for the digitisation of SMEs, and investment in open source software are just some of the measures already being implemented, although there are many more that can be carried out. For example:

• Creating infrastructure in areas where accessibility to internet services is more difficult or impossible.
• More training programmes aimed at particularly vulnerable groups: the elderly, migrants, workers with low education levels, etc.
• More public and private investment for the digitisation of companies, and to secure quality technical support.

Bridging the digital divide requires investment, but also awareness from public authorities. States must contribute to the training of their population, otherwise, social inequalities will continue to grow and, with them, the impossibility of developing on an economic level.

So, to help people progress, overcome the challenges posed by the fourth industrial revolution and grow inclusively and sustainably, Banco Santander is committed to three key concepts: lifelong learning, reskilling and upskilling. To support this commitment, it has created the Santander Open Academy website, a unique and pioneering global programme. 

If you would like to keep growing personally and professionally, head over to the Santander Open Academy website, where you'll find 100s of opportunities to train together with internationally renowned institutions. Access training in technology, languages, research, investigation, soft skills, internships and female leadership, which will help you to improve your employability or refocus your career.

Do you want to become a lifelong learner and increase your job opportunities? The Santander Open Academy website has plenty of options to help you achieve your goals. Check out the website and remember: you can sign up for as many courses as you like. Make the most of this opportunity!