The divide between rich and poor extends beyond the physical reality that we live in, following many marginalised groups into the digital realm. Indigenous groups living in isolated areas experience this digital divide more acutely than other groups, culminating to an experience of digital exclusion and disadvantage (Rennie, et al 2016). Rennie et al. cites the largest reason these groups are unable to access the internet is the lack of infrastructure in these isolated areas. The lack of economic viability of these areas, with almost three quarters of all Aboriginal communities having a population less than fifty people (Rennie, et al. 2016), internet providers aren’t driven to provide this infrastructure. Park argues that this divide can only be overcome when third parties, namely the government or not for profit foundations, provide this infrastructure where it is not economically viable (2016). Park describes this phenomenon as an important part of digital inclusion (2016).
The consequences of the digital divide are detrimental to those facing digital exclusion. Worcman argues that the digital divide worsens the real world divide between rich and poor (2015). The inability of isolated Indigenous groups to access online financial and health services disadvantages them, as they have to overcome physical distances in order to access basic services such as Centrelink (Rennie et al. 2016). Physical distance is able to be overcome through the use of digital technology and the internet as it allows access to education, support services, and something as small as online shopping (Park 2015).
Despite the benefits of digital inclusion, the provision of digital infrastructure does not necessarily lead to adoption by the intended parties. A second level of the digital divide leads to the digital exclusion of isolated indigenous groups, caused by a lack of skill and motivation for digital technologies according to Park (2015). Rennie et al., goes further, citing social logistics as a reason for why some groups adopt digital technologies while others don’t. In the case of isolated Indigenous groups in Australia, the desire and practice of traditional ways of life is certainly a factor. Park cites un-targeted government policies as another cause of the second digital divide (2015), as only providing physical access to technology to these groups does not allow them to access it in reality without the correct skills. The inability of outside groups such as the government to understand the motivations of Aboriginal Australians internet use and to target policies accordingly furthers digital exclusion.
Sources:
- Park, S. 2016, ‘Digital inequalities in rural Australia: A double jeopardy of remoteness and social exclusion’, Journal of Rural Studies, vol. 54, pp. 399-407.
- Rennie, E., Hogan, E., Gregory, R., Crouch, A., Wright, A. & Thomas, J. 2016, Internet on the outstation: the digital divide and remote Aboriginal communities, Institute of Network Cultures, Amsterdam. ISBN 9789492302076 Available:
- Worcman, K. 2002, ‘Digital Division is Cultural Exclusion. But Is Digital Inclusion Cultural Inclusion?’, D-Lib Magazine, vol. 8, no. 3, 20-7.
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