Digital divide
In presentations I sometimes refer to Seth Godin’s New Digital Divide, a divide between the cares and the care-nots. But Jakob Nielsen’s latest column points out the divide is between those in the know and those who don’t know.
An excerpt:
The Internet can be an empowering tool that lets people find good deals, manage vendors, and control their finances and investments. But it can just as easily be an alienating environment where people are cheated. Members of the Internet elite don’t realize the extent to which less-skilled users are left out of many of the advancements they cheer and enjoy.
While Nielsen brings up the issue, he doesn’t have a solution to offer. My friend John Veitch is making some steps towards bringing helpful, easy-to-follow information to those new to the web, but he has discovered it’s not enough to simply have something online. People who struggle with online won’t find a blog unless it’s part of their introduction package when they buy their computer.
Through his work with the Global Engagement Trust, John is trying to eradicate the vital digital divide that’s happening. If you’re reading this, and you can help – please get in touch with John.
