DIGITAL DIVIDE

A term used to describe the discrepancy between people who have access to and the resources to use new information and communication tools, such as the Internet, and people who do not have the resources and access to the technology. The term also describes the discrepancy between those who have the skills, knowledge and abilities to use the technologies and those who do not. The digital divide can exist between those living in rural areas and those living in urban areas, between the educated and uneducated, between economic classes, and on a global scale between more and less industrially developed nations.
As much as we all learn, prepare and dedicate ourselves to professional development as digital marketers, we still live in a world that will never quite find a peaceful harmony when it comes to technology. This problem impacts our lives personally and professionally as the world and our workplace lags behind. The digital divide creates a chasm of culture between the techies and the non-techies, leaving us to feel like foreigners, minorities who have tasted the fruit of effectiveness and efficiency. Yet, when it comes to sharing this epiphany to clients, employers and even leaders in our community and government, we often fail.
Language barriers, lack of influence and the fear of risk stop the progress. By default, the status quo of what is broken remains. Innovation and implementation is delayed, again. Digital marketers feel frustrated, anxious, angry and close to apathy.

The Solution

Take refuge and tele-transport to an island where only the digitally sophisticated exist in a wireless land, lush with free wi-fi that grows on trees. Unrealistic, but I admit I’ve often fantasized of similar scenarios and have thought this utopian world may be an easier solution than being an agent of change leading others through the digital divide.
Many of us can see the big picture, drive the latest technologies and connect the dots throughout our own communities. Unfortunately, mainstream does not reflect the mindset represented by the 200+ attendees at Explore in Nashville last week. Therefore, we all must return to the real world where we are faced with daily challenges from the digital divide. I gathered a handful of takeaways from Friday’s event to help you as you navigate on your journey, beyond the digital divide.