Technology Revolution 12854 Essay Example

regarding unequal access to the internet based on race in domestic environments. A recent survey conducted by the Federal government revealed that African-Americans and Hispanics experience considerably lower rates of internet access at home, work, or school compared to their white counterparts.

This study emphasizes that minority groups may face disadvantages in competing for entry-level jobs due to the increasing requirement of computer skills and internet navigation. According to Donna L. Hoffman, a professor at Vanderbilt University, the reason for African-Americans' slow adoption of technology goes beyond just price, as they are purchasing cable and satellite systems in significant quantities. The cultural and social factors need to be explored further, as there still remains a question of personal benefits to adopting this technology. The division in computer usage often aligns with income levels and education.

The internet is utilized in different ways by different racial and socio-economic groups. Among households earning over $75,000, 61% of whites and 54% of blacks regularly use the internet. However, for families earning between $15,000 and $35,000, these percentages decrease significantly to 17% for whites and 8% for blacks. These statistics demonstrate that race and socio-economic status impact involvement with this technological advancement. On a global scale, the obstacles are even more significant as numerous developing nations still lack widespread access to the internet.

Despite the presence of internet in certain remote parts of the world, connectivity is still lacking in areas like Iraq, North Korea, and various African countries. Furthermore, in many developing nations with internet access, it remains mainly limited to major cities and is costly for individuals relative to their income. To bridge this technology gap between developed and lesser-developed

countries, particularly regarding internet availability, an annual conference called INET has been established. The primary objective of this conference is to educate and empower individuals with less technological expertise by equipping them with essential technical and administrative skills necessary for network management.

Poor and expensive telecommunications, along with political issues, are factors that contribute to the limited Internet access in third world nations. For instance, in countries like Laos, the communist government perceives the internet as a destabilizing influence due to its unrestricted dissemination of information. Additionally, outdated hardware, inadequate telecommunications infrastructure, and opposition from local politicians hinder the potential advantages of technology. Conversely, in developed countries, the Internet has resulted in unparalleled wealth generation and industry transformation. Development agencies had hoped that technology could have a comparable impact on third world nations.

Despite reality falling short of expectations in terms of the Internet's effectiveness in helping lesser-developed countries, the United Nations remains optimistic about its potential to assist these nations. To realize this vision, the United Nations has collaborated with Cisco Systems, Inc. to provide support for impoverished populations worldwide.

They are trying to assist by broadcasting a concert called Netaid, which will be broadcast globally. Despite common beliefs, this will not be just another charity telethon. The core of Netaid is the website being developed to enable global participation in ongoing poverty eradication efforts even after the concert ends. The purpose of the website is to connect and support groups from developed countries in aiding groups from less developed countries. This could potentially be a solution for providing internet access to households and individuals worldwide.