ch10 updated March 24 EP Version For Class(1)

Week Overview: The Digital Divide & Transformation of Work

• Course: EECS-300 Professional Practice in Computing, Lassonde School of Engineering, York University

• Instructor: Emma Posca, PhD Candidate

• Email: poscae@yorku.ca

• Date: Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Land Acknowledgement

• Historical Context:

  • Formulated in 2017 by York University Aboriginal Education Council, revised in 2019.

  • Acknowledges the presence of Indigenous Nations in Tkaronto (Toronto).

• Current Acknowledgement:

  • Recognizes traditional caretakers: Anishinabek Nation, Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Huron-Wendat, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

  • References the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, promoting shared care for the Great Lakes region.

Lecture Overview

Key Topics Covered

• Digital Divide: Definition and Categories

  • Examples and ethical issues.

• Bridging the Digital Divide

  • Moral obligations towards Indigenous communities and technology.

• Cybertechnology & the Disabled

  • Supportive definitions and arguments.

• Race & Cybertechnology

  • Statistics showing racial discrimination patterns in internet usage.

• Gender & Cybertechnology

  • Gender bias statistics in technological access and usage.

• Impact of Cybertechnology on Democracy

  • Threats to democratic ideals and processes.

• Cybertechnology & the Workplace

  • Job displacement, automation, globalization, outsourcing, remote work, and workplace surveillance.

• Conclusion: Summary of above topics.

Access and Equity Issues: Overview

• Three Categories Affected by Cybertechnology:

  1. Sociodemographic Groups: Economic class, race, gender.

  2. Social and Political Institutions: Education and governance.

  3. Social Sectors: Especially the workplace.

Sociodemographic Groups Impacted

• Groups affected include:

  • Low-income groups (economic class).

  • Racial and ethnic minorities.

  • Women.

  • Disabled populations.

Understanding the Digital Divide

Definition and Evolution

• Term Introduction:

  • Coined in the 1990s to signify disparities in technology access.

• Current Interpretation:

  • Differentiation between those with and without access to cybertechnology and the knowledge to utilize it.

Gaps Identified

• Himma & Bottis (2014):

  • Emphasis on series of gaps including:

    • Access to Digital Devices and Internet

    • Knowledge and Ability to utilize digital tools.

• Ryder (2015):

  • Highlights the gap in benefiting from technology.

Divisions in the Digital Divide

• O’Hara & Stevens (2006):

  • Identify three divides:

    1. Economic Divides: Rich vs. Poor.

    2. Regional Divides: Wealth disparity across regions.

    3. National Divides: Disparities between developed and developing nations.

Global Digital Divide Analysis

Historical Context

• Initial Estimates (2000):

  • Approx. 429 million online users globally, 68% from North America and Europe.

  • Significant energy access issues (e.g., 2 billion without electricity).

Growth Statistics 2000-2014

• 2005 Progress:

  • Doubling of global internet users, highlighting growing usage.

• 2011 Disparities:

  • India internet usage at 8.4% vs. UK at 82%.

Digital Divide Within Nations

Notable Discrepancies

• UK Case Study:

  • 2004 data: 50% of households online, but only 3% among poorest.

• India Divides Impact:

  • Bifurcated literacy and access contributing to socio-economic disparities.

Digital Divide in the U.S.

Factors of Concern

• Key Determinants:

  • Income, education, race, and gender.

• Historical Context:

  • The 1990s initiative for universal access highlights inequities that persist.

Universal Service vs. Universal Access

• Legislative Background:

  • Communications Act of 1934 aimed to provide affordable access to citizens, raising the question of applicability to the internet.

Ethical Considerations on the Digital Divide

Broader Ethical Reflections

• Skepticism Around Divides:

  • Comparison to other inequalities (e.g., housing, food access).

• Distributive Justice Insights:

  • Ethically important discussions on digital equity and resource distribution.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Moral Imperatives

• Moss (2002):

  • Lack of access reinforces disadvantage and hinders participation in democracy.

• Norris (2001):

  • The ongoing marginalization of the 'information poor' highlights a societal risk.

Moral Obligations Debated

• Affluence and Responsibility:

  • Ethical discussions around whether affluent nations have an obligation to ensure equitable access.

Cybertechnology & the Disabled

Accessibility Initiatives

• W3C's Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI):

  • Promotes universal web access, developing guidelines and tools for various disabilities.

Cybertechnology & Race

Key Statistics

• Examination of racial disparities in internet access and usage patterns.

Cybertechnology & Gender

Gender Disparities in Access

• Changes Over Time:

  • Notable progress but concerns linger around access to tech sectors, especially in gaming.

Cybertechnology, Democracy, and Ethical Implications

Evaluating Democracy's Integrity

• Cybertechnology poses both enhancements and threats to democratic functions and ideals.

Workplace Transformation through Cybertechnology

Job Displacement and Creation

• Cybertechnology's role in reshaping employment contexts via automation and globalization.

Conclusion

Tackling Equity and Justice

• Summarizes the challenges, implications, and ethical considerations surrounding the digital divide and access to technology.