Digital Divide and Information Society

Digital Divide

A digital divide is an economic and social inequality with regard to access to, use of, or
impact of information and communication technologies(ICT). The term digital divide was
first coined by Lloyd Morrisett, president of the Markle Foundation, in late 1990’s. The
term digital divide describes a gap in terms of access to and usage of information and
communication technology. It was traditionally considered to be a question of having or
not having access, but with a global mobile phone penetration of over 95%, it is
becoming a relative inequality between those who have more and less bandwidth and
more or less skills. This divide can be influenced by several factors:
● Economic Factors: People with lower incomes may not be able to afford
computers, smartphones, or internet services, which limits their ability to access
and use digital technologies.
● Geographic Factors: Rural or remote areas may lack the infrastructure necessary
for high-speed internet, creating a divide between urban and rural access.
● Educational Factors: Educational background can impact how effectively
individuals can use technology. Lack of digital literacy can perpetuate the divide.
● Age and Disability: Older adults and people with disabilities might face
challenges in using new technologies due to both physical and cognitive barriers.
● Cultural and Language Barriers: Non-native speakers or those from different
cultural backgrounds may find it difficult to access information if it's not available
in their language or cultural context.

India has a significant digital divide, with gaps in access to digital infrastructure and
internet usage based on several factors, including:
- Rural-urban divide: In 2020, 76% of urban households globally had internet
access, compared to 39% of rural households. In India, only 24% of rural
households have internet access, compared to 66% in cities.
- Gender divide: Men have greater access to the internet and mobile phones than
women. However, there have been improvements in women's access to cell
phones between 2015–16 and 2019–21.
- Caste divide: Only 4% of students from SC and ST communities have access to
a computer and the internet.
- Affordability: EdTech products, which are instruction aids for teachers and
students, are inaccessible for many due to their high costs.
- Network coverage: Patchy network coverage is a factor in the digital divide.
- Lack of localized content: A lack of localized vernacular internet content is a
factor in the digital divide.
Information Society

An information society is a society where the creation, distribution, use, integration and
manipulation of information is a significant economic, political, and cultural activity. The
aim of the information society is to gain competitive advantage internationally, through
using information technology (IT) in a creative and productive way.
People who have the means to partake in this form of society are sometimes called
digital citizens. This is one of many dozen labels that have been identified to suggest
that humans are entering a new phase of society. One of the first people to develop the
concept of the information society was the economist Fritz Machlup.
- According to Daniel Bell, in Information (and knowledge) society, science plays
an increased role in the productive forces; professional, scientific and technical
groups will rise into prominence.
- Mannual Castells (1996) prefers to call emerging society as “informational
society”, where the process of generation and transformation of info has become
the fundamental sources of productivity and power.

Interconnection b/w both

The digital divide and the information society are interconnected. A more equitable
information society requires addressing the digital divide. Efforts to bridge this gap can
include:
● Improving Infrastructure: Expanding broadband access to underserved areas.
Implement and update cybersecurity practices to protect information.
● Promoting Digital Literacy: Providing education and resources to help individuals
effectively use technology.
● Supporting Accessibility: Developing technology and policies that accommodate
various needs, including those of people with disabilities.
● Encouraging Inclusive Content: Creating and translating content to serve diverse
linguistic and cultural groups.
● Invest in Technology: Support the development and spread of digital
infrastructure.

Addressing the digital divide is essential for ensuring that the benefits of the information
society are accessible to everyone, thereby fostering more equitable and inclusive
social and economic development.
 ICT and its applications and E-governance

Information and communication Technology(ICT)

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) refers to a broad range of technologies and
tools used to manage and exchange information electronically. This encompasses computers,
software, networks, telecommunications systems, and other digital devices. ICT facilitates the
creation, storage, processing, transmission, and retrieval of data and information.

Role of Information and Communication Technology

ICT plays a fundamental role in modern communication, data management, and overall
technological infrastructure, enabling various sectors like business, education, healthcare, and
more to operate efficiently and connect on a global scale.

E- governance

E-Governance can be defined as the application of information and communication technology

(ICT) for providing government services, exchange of information, transactions, integration of
previously existing services and information portals. The “e” in e-Governance stands for
‘electronic’. The Council of Europe referred to e-Governance as:
The use of electronic technologies in three areas of public action:
- relations between the public authorities and civil society
 - the functioning of the public authorities at all stages of the democratic process (electronic
democracy)
- the provision of public services (electronic public services).

Origin
E-Governance originated in India during the 1970s with a focus on in-house government
applications in the areas of defence, economic monitoring, planning and deployment of ICT to
manage data intensive functions related to elections, census, tax administration etc.

Initial Steps Taken

- The establishment of the Department of Electronics in 1970 was the first major step
towards e-governance in India as it brought ‘information’ and its communication to focus.
- National Informatics Centre (NIC) established in 1977, launched the District Information
System program to computerize all district offices in the country.
- The main thrust for e-governance was provided by the launching of NICNET in 1987 –
the national satellite-based computer network.

Objectives
- Better service delivery to citizens.
- Ushering in transparency and accountability.
- Empowering people through information.
- Improve efficiency within Government i.e between centre-state or inter-states.
- Improve interface with business and industry.

Pillars of e-Governance
People
Process
Technology
Resources

Types of Interaction in e-Governance

G2G i.e. Government to Government
G2C i.e. Government to Citizen
G2B i.e. Government to Business
G2E i.e. Government to Employees
(Read from Initiatives Taken for e-Governance in India ⬇)
https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/e-governance-1#:~:text=e%2DGovernance%20
can%20be%20defined,existing%20services%20and%20information%20portals.

https://universalinstitutions.com/role-of-ict-in-governance/
 Convergence and its Types: Synergy between Electronic and Mobile Commerce

Communication across the world has evolved with the advent of technology and media.
There are now several ways to exhibit your work, voice your opinions on issues and
spread knowledge and information globally. Convergence refers to the process of
combining different technologies, industries, or platforms to create new, innovative, and
integrated systems. In the context of electronic commerce (e-commerce) and mobile
commerce (m-commerce), convergence describes how these two areas are increasingly
interconnected and evolving together to form more seamless and efficient ways for
consumers to interact with businesses and make purchases.

Types of Convergence

1. Technological Convergence
- Definition:
Technological convergence refers to the merging of different technologies
into a single device or platform, enabling users to access a variety of
media content and services through one interface or device.
- Examples: Smartphones, Smart TVs and Streaming Services
- Impact: This convergence allows consumers to access diverse forms of
media (audio, video, text, social interaction, etc.) from a single device,
improving convenience and accessibility.

2. Content Convergence
- Definition:
Content convergence involves the creation of media content that can be
shared and consumed across multiple platforms, such as websites, social
media, television, radio, and mobile apps.
- Examples:
○ Cross-platform storytelling: A movie franchise, like the Star Wars series,
expands beyond traditional films into books, video games, social media,
and merchandise. Fans experience the franchise through various forms of
media.
○ News Organizations: News outlets, such as BBC or CNN, produce content
that can be consumed on TV, websites, mobile apps, social media, and
podcasts.
 - Impact:
Content convergence allows for wider distribution and cross-platform
engagement. It encourages consumers to engage with content in various
ways, enhancing brand loyalty and audience reach.

3. Industry Convergence
- Definition:
Industry convergence happens when different industries, previously
separate, merge due to technological advancements or new business
models. In new media, this convergence is often seen when traditional
media (TV, radio, print) combines with digital and interactive media.
- Examples: Telecom and Entertainment: Telecom companies like Verizon
or AT&T have entered the entertainment industry by offering streaming
services (e.g., Verizon's acquisition of Yahoo and the launch of its own
streaming platform).
○ Media and Technology Companies: Companies like Apple, Google, and
Amazon blend media creation, distribution, and technology. Amazon not
only sells products but also produces media content through Amazon
Prime Video, creating a convergence between retail and entertainment
industries.
- Impact:
Industry convergence blurs the lines between traditional sectors
and leads to the creation of hybrid models that can offer a broader
range of services. For instance, a company like Amazon provides
e-commerce, cloud computing, and entertainment all in one.

4. Cultural Convergence

- Definition:
Cultural convergence refers to the blending of different cultural elements
facilitated by new media platforms. As content travels across borders and media
formats, it influences the development of global cultures, ideologies, and
communication practices.
- Examples:
○ Global Social Media Movements: #MeToo or Black Lives Matter
○ Viral Content
- Impact:
Cultural convergence creates a more interconnected world, where ideas, values,
 and cultural practices can spread quickly across nations. It also leads to the
blending of global and local cultures, creating new hybrid identities.

5. Social Convergence

- Definition:
Social convergence refers to the integration of social interaction and
communication across multiple media platforms. It is the shift towards
more collaborative, participatory, and user-driven content creation and
sharing.
- Examples: Social Media Platforms, Crowdsourcing and User-generated
Content
- Impact:
Social convergence shifts the power from traditional media gatekeepers
(e.g., publishers, broadcasters) to individual users. It enables greater
collaboration, interactivity, and engagement in content creation and
distribution.

6. Economic Convergence

- Definition:
Economic convergence refers to the merging of business models in the
media industry, where traditional media companies, digital platforms, and
technology firms align their economic interests, creating new revenue
streams and opportunities.
- Examples: Subscription-based Models , Ad-supported Models
- Impact:
Economic convergence is transforming how media companies generate
revenue. Subscription-based models, freemium models, and ad-supported
platforms are enabling new forms of profitability in the media sector.

7. Political and Regulatory Convergence

- Definition:
Political and regulatory convergence refers to the ways in which
governments and regulatory bodies adapt to the rapid evolution of new
media technologies and platforms. It involves the development of policies
and regulations that address the complexities of digital communication.
 - Examples:
○ Net Neutrality Laws: Governments have been enacting regulations to
ensure that internet service providers treat all online content the same,
avoiding preferential treatment to certain websites or services.
○ Data Privacy Regulations: Laws such as the General Data Protection
Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union are attempts to regulate how
media companies collect, store, and use personal data from users.
- Impact:
As new media technologies evolve, governments and regulatory bodies
must continually adapt to protect consumers and ensure fair practices.
Regulatory convergence aims to create a balance between fostering
innovation and protecting the public interest.

8. Media Consumption Convergence

- Definition:
Media consumption convergence is the change in how people consume
media content across different devices and platforms. Consumers no
longer rely on traditional forms of media (TV, radio, print) alone; instead,
they engage with a mix of digital media content across multiple devices.
- Examples: On-demand Streaming, Social Media and News Consumption
- Impact:
Media consumption convergence reflects a shift from passive to active
engagement. Consumers are now in control of when, where, and how they
consume content, leading to a more personalized and dynamic media
experience.

Synergy Between Electronic and Mobile Commerce

Convergence in the context of electronic commerce (e-commerce) and mobile

commerce (m-commerce) refers to the integration of these two forms of commerce
through technology, business models, and consumer interactions. This synergy
enhances the overall shopping experience, streamlines business operations, and
maximizes reach, offering benefits to both consumers and businesses. Let’s explore
this concept in more detail.
1. Understanding Electronic Commerce and Mobile Commerce

● Electronic Commerce (E-commerce):

E-commerce is the buying and selling of goods and services using the internet. It
involves transactions conducted on websites or through desktop applications.
E-commerce platforms can include online stores, auctions, digital marketplaces,
and payment systems.

● Mobile Commerce (M-commerce):

M-commerce refers to conducting commercial transactions via mobile devices
like smartphones and tablets. It includes activities such as mobile shopping,
mobile banking, digital payments, and location-based services. M-commerce
allows users to make purchases or access services on the go, offering a more
flexible, convenient shopping experience.

2. Convergence and Its Types in E-commerce and M-commerce

Convergence between e-commerce and m-commerce creates a unified experience for

consumers, bridging the gap between online shopping (desktop-based) and mobile
shopping. This convergence can be categorized into several types:

A. Platform Convergence

B. Payment Systems Convergence

C. Marketing and Advertising Convergence

D. Customer Experience Convergence

E. Logistics and Delivery Convergence

F. Data and Analytics Convergence

3. Benefits of Convergence Between E-commerce and M-commerce

1. Increased Reach and Accessibility: Convergence enables businesses to reach

consumers on multiple devices, whether they’re at home, at work, or on the go.
This increases overall market reach and accessibility.
 2. Improved Customer Experience: A seamless experience across both platforms
(e-commerce and m-commerce) ensures that customers can engage with brands
and make purchases without disruptions, improving their satisfaction.

3. Higher Conversion Rates: With consistent messaging, personalized offers, and

convenient payment systems across platforms, businesses can improve the
likelihood that customers will complete purchases, whether they start on desktop
or mobile.

4. Enhanced Business Efficiency: The integration of platforms, marketing efforts,

payment systems, and customer data allows businesses to streamline
operations, reduce redundancies, and optimize their resources.

5. Stronger Brand Loyalty: By offering a cohesive experience across e-commerce

and m-commerce platforms, businesses can foster greater customer trust and
loyalty, as users appreciate the convenience of a unified experience.

4. Conclusion

The synergy between electronic commerce (e-commerce) and mobile commerce

(m-commerce) driven by convergence is transforming how businesses interact with
consumers and how consumers shop. By integrating platforms, payment systems,
marketing, customer experiences, and logistics, businesses can offer a seamless and
cohesive shopping journey across devices. The result is increased reach, higher
customer satisfaction, and improved sales, benefiting both businesses and consumers
in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Social Media Platforms: Importance and Usage

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