Digital Divide in Social Networks: How the global digital divide subtracts access to social networks and multiplies educational issues.

The disparity between the technology-rich and technology-poor is an ongoing issue today known as the digital divide. In the developed world it is easy to take for granted the use of Information Communications Technology (ICT) which includes radio, television, computers, and mobile phones. ICTs are a part of daily life in some regions, while in others they do not exist. (1) Social networks have become one of the most popular online destinations in recent years. With the digital divide there are regions with limited or no access to the internet and therefore to social networks as well. In regions where social networks have become a way of life, they are being incorporated into the education system. Social networks allow for educational benefits as they serve as a platform for students to share their creativity and work on their communication skills. (2) Regions that have limited access or a ban on social networks miss out on a great educational opportunity for their students because of the digital divide. In addition, access to the internet, furthermore, social networks, has changed the theory of agenda setting. This theory that the media outlets influence viewers by their choice of what stories are important to the public was predicted to diminish once the internet came to be; viewers can set their own agenda by deciding what is important or interesting to them on the internet. Traditional news outlets can then determine what their viewers want to learn about from what they are searching on the web and appeal to their audience. (3) Social networks allow users to blog their perspectives, tweet links to articles, and upload YouTube videos. In turn, others search for what interests or is important to them and find the blog, tweet, or video instead of watching television and being told what is important. In areas where social networks are not prominent or forbidden it is difficult for people to learn about other perspectives when they are only able to receive their news from a few biased outlets. The digital divide allows for different access of social networks depending on region which effects education in schools as well as in the media.
(1) Boyd, Danah M., Nicole B. Ellison. “Social Network Sites: Definition, History, and Scholarship.” Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication 13 (2007): 210-230. Web. 15 Jan. 2011.
(2) Greenhow, Christine. Social Network Sites have Educational Benefits. University of Minnesota, 2008. Web. 14 Jan. 2011.
(3) Delwiche, Aaron. “Agenda–Setting, Opinion Leadership, and the World of Web Logs.” First Monday 10 (2005): n. pag. Web. 17 Jan. 2011.