digital divide

USAGE SUMMARY

"digital divide" is an idiom that is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the economic and social gap between those who have access to digital and online technologies and those who lack that access. For example: The government unveiled a plan to bridge the digital divide by providing free internet access in disadvantaged areas.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Digital Divide?

Harvard University

Demystifying the digital divide.

University of California, Berkeley

(Oh, and the "digital divide" vanishes, too).

The Economist

Reprints Related items The digital divide: Internet?

The Economist

hradie explores the digital divide.

University of California, Berkeley

AfroGEEKS: Beyond the Digital Divide.

Columbia University

We cannot accept a digital divide.

The Guardian

One factor is the "digital divide".

The New York Times

Isn't the digital divide a good thing?

The New York Times

Years ago, pundits worried about a "digital divide".

The New York Times

The "digital divide" will soon disappear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the term "digital divide" to highlight the social and economic implications of unequal access to technology, emphasizing its impact on education, employment, and civic engagement.

Common error

Don't assume that simply providing access to technology eliminates the "digital divide". Digital literacy and skills training are equally important to ensure effective use and participation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "digital divide" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a gap or disparity, as Ludwig AI confirms, and commonly features in discussions about social and economic inequalities related to technology access.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "digital divide" is a well-established and frequently used term to describe the gap between those who have access to digital technologies and those who do not. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its primary function is to highlight inequalities in access, promote awareness, and advocate for solutions. While it appears across various contexts, it's most prevalent in news, academic discussions, and formal business settings. Addressing the "digital divide" requires multifaceted approaches including improving access, enhancing digital literacy, and focusing on relevant skill development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

digital gap

Focuses on the disparity in access to digital technologies.

digital inequality

Refers to the state of unequal access to digital resources and opportunities.

digital exclusion

Highlights the social exclusion resulting from lack of digital access.

technology gap

Broader term referring to inequalities in technology access and skills.

internet access gap

Focuses specifically on unequal access to the internet.

information divide

Emphasizes the unequal access to information due to technology disparities.

technological disparity

Highlights the imbalance in technological resources and skills.

access divide

Highlights the differences in ability to access digital resources.

the have-nots of the digital age

Emphasizes the social and economic disadvantage of those lacking digital access.

the unconnected

Describes those without access to digital technologies.

FAQs

How does the "digital divide" affect society?

The "digital divide" exacerbates inequalities in education, employment, and access to essential services. Those without access to technology are often excluded from opportunities available to those who are digitally connected.

What are some solutions to bridge the "digital divide"?

Solutions include expanding affordable internet access, providing digital literacy training, and increasing access to devices like computers and smartphones. Community-based programs and government initiatives play a crucial role.

What's the difference between "digital divide" and "digital inequality"?

While closely related, "digital divide" often refers to the gap in access to technology, while "digital inequality" encompasses broader disparities in skills, usage, and benefits derived from technology.

Is the "digital divide" only about internet access?

No, the "digital divide" includes access to devices (computers, smartphones), reliable internet connections, digital literacy skills, and the ability to use technology effectively for various purposes.