How can information systems create a digital divide between groups of people?

Information systems create a digital divide by fostering an uneven distribution of computers and Internet access, which reinforces existing social and economic inequalities. This divide is categorized into two levels: the first-level divide concerns physical access to technology, while the second-level divide concerns the skills and usage patterns required to effectively utilize these tools.1

The divide manifests across several dimensions:

• Socioeconomic and Demographic Factors: Access is often stratified by income, education, age, ethnicity, race, and place of residence. Affluent, highly educated individuals are more likely to possess the necessary hardware and the digital literacy to navigate online spaces for professional or political advancement.12
• Global Disparities: Industrialized nations often have higher investments in research and development and telecommunications infrastructure compared to developing countries, creating a persistent global gap.1
• Usage Patterns: Even when access is available, disparities persist in how technology is used. Advantaged groups often use information systems to address professional interests, whereas less-advantaged groups may lack the navigation skills to do so, often prioritizing entertainment.1

Addressing these inequities is a moral imperative, as bridging this gap is essential for ensuring equitable participation in modern society.12