The digital divide[1] refers to the gap between individuals, households, businesses, and geographic areas at different socio-economic levels with regard to their opportunities to access information and communication technologies. It is the disparity in the access to, use of, or impact of information and communication technologies. The digital divide stems from various factors, including income, education, race, gender, location, age, skills, awareness, and attitudes. It is not just about the physical connection to the internet[2] but also about the quality of that connection, digital literacy, and the ability to use information. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the digital divide became more noticeable as reliance on digital technologies increased significantly. The digital divide can exacerbate educational, health, and social disparities among different socio-economic and demographic groups.
The digital divide is the unequal access to digital technology, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and the internet. The digital divide creates a division and inequality around access to information and resources. In the Information Age in which information and communication technologies (ICTs) have eclipsed manufacturing technologies as the basis for world economies and social connectivity, people without access to the Internet and other ICTs are at a socio-economic disadvantage, for they are unable or less able to find and apply for jobs, shop and learn.