Digital Divide

The material from the past couple of weeks has been very interesting. I knew Covid-19 has been tough on everyone but I hadn’t considered those without access to certain technologies such as a stable internet connection or access to a computer.

Personally, I was happy to see a lot of services be moved online. From meetings, to ordering food with roadside pickup, etc. It made things a bit more convenient for a computer science student who spends a lot of time on the computer anyway.

But having to look at it from the perspective of someone without access to these things, it put it very plainly how wide the digital divide has gotten. From applying to jobs, to interviewing for those jobs, etc. so many people simply are losing access to vital functions of society and the means to take care of themselves.

I had always supported having a public option for internet, as it forms a natural monopoly. I always found it silly how phones work the same way. If we’re going to make internet access so vital to modern life, it makes sense that we offer it all, with the best quality of service to ensure that everyone has a shot at a good life.

And then there’s the issue of homeschooling. I can’t imagine many people were ready to move their kids to homeschooling at the drop of a hat. I don’t have kids, so it’s not something I’ve had to think about. I hope schools are funded enough to provide laptops for students but I suspect that they are not. At least that was the impression I got when I attended high school a decade ago.

With all of the advancements that are going to be made in response to Covid-19, I hope we can start to do more to help those who are being left behind.