Blog 3 COM 305

Conflict in the Digital Age:

All of the conflict that sparks during the digital age begins with a topic that we have already covered in detail – the digital divide. Many of the issues that are occurring in the world today have roots that spring from this divide, and this is causing conflicts on a global scale. There are two main groups that are represented in this conflict: 1) those with the digital technology AND that know how to use it and 2) those without the technology OR those who have access to it but have no idea how to use it. It should also be noted that those who are in the first group are the minority, and that most of them are in this group because they can afford to be. As a result there is much resentment and animosity towards those in the first group, and this has been displayed most noticeably in the Middle East. The digital divide has caused many different nations to feel left out, and since the United States is (or was) at the forefront in technology, most of this hatred has been directed at them. Not to say that events such a 9/11 or the underground tube bombings in London are strictly because of this digital divide, but there surely must be some connection due to the timing.
Internet only started to become a big means of communication as well as a resource in the mid 90’s, and has been growing in popularity since then. If one looks at the percentages, however, there is a huge gap from continent to continent. High in the use of digital technology is the USA as well as Europe (particularly the Western half) and on the low end of the spectrum is the Middle East and Africa. It should also be noted that those continents on the lower segment are also constantly fighting, whether it be with others or within their own countries.
But why are they fighting in regards to the digital divide? Maybe it is to get our attention since they are unable to reach us through other means of communication. Maybe this is the only way they have been able to effectively get our attention so far, even though it is an extreme. Either way, we should not ignore them, or this will continue to worsen. There must be a way for the digital divide to be narrowed, if not closed.