O/T: The Digital Divide in the African American Community

Was the Title of My Master's Thesis.  I explored the contributing factors impacting African Americans' ability to use or access technology. For the most part, my study showed that poor finances, lack of knowledge about IT and lack of interest were the major reasons for the so called "Digital Divide" as it applied to my target population. That was 2002...and at the time there was little data about this topic and African Americans specifically. The literature focused more on socioeconomic and minorities as a whole sub-sect.  

My interest in this subject stemmed from the fact that I had very limited exposure to IT throughout my undergraduate years. I did not have a computer and did not even know what email was when one of my professor asked me. I was a Junior.  Furthermore, when I looked around at all my family members and other African Americans in my circle.  Most had no experience or little knowledge of computers or the associated technology....and some of these were college grads...(even teachers).


So I am curious to know from my fellow BAFers. 

Do you think this gap is narrowing significantly? Why or Why not.

Do you see any disturbing trends now that WE are getting connected? 

Do you know people that Will NOT connect...no matter how much you tell them it might benefit them to do so?

For me personally, I think that it has narrowed significantly BUT we still have a ways to go.

When I first took a conscious look around like 10 years ago...no one in my family owned a computer.  Now when when I look around, most have a computer in the home or know how to access the internet by utilizing one through a public library, Kinkos, WebTV, cell phone etc.. etc... Most have email addresses and use them consistently.

Most are NOW able to explore worlds outside their own without leaving their chair or having an exorbitant expense (one that they could not afford anyway)

The fact that students are being exposed in schools at earlier ages is a huge factor which helps as well. 

I am only concerned with the fact that now we are starting to lose some of that personal contact that was once was necessary when all the technology was not in the picture. (i.e. make a phone call instead of an email, send a card and picture in mail instead of placing it on FB etc. etc.) 

Plus (just like anything else) computers and technology can become addicting. Sometimes, I have to pry the mouse out of my both my daughter's hands.  

Reminder:  Don't forget to use your parental controls on the computers to limit ratings and hours of access.

Wow.....isn't it amazing how things change. 

    

Do you think this gap is narrowing significantly? Why or Why not.

I work in the commercial software industry and I can definitely see the need for more and more African Americans to become tech-savvy; however, I'm also a former-street dude and I know how katz on the block think to a large extent, so it depends on who you ask and what level of involvement you are going to expect them to have with computers. 

Do you see any disturbing trends now that WE are getting connected? 

I wouldn't classify them as outright disturbing but I do see some of us limiting our computer use to what I like to call "trendy tech" in the form of only using post/blog sites (not OH), music (media) downloads, and non-mind challenging applications.

Do you know people that Will NOT connect...no matter how much you tell them it might benefit them to do so?

Yes.  Unfortunately, IMHO from a strictly commercial standpoint, those people don't matter.  The web was initially designed to bring about information to the masses.  Well... somehow/somewhere that "information" got morphed into "sale items" and "music downloads."  Non-users are still surviving without needing the added expense owning a PC.

Thanks for posting Aye!

I wouldn't classify them as outright disturbing but I do see some of us limiting our computer use to what I like to call "trendy tech" in the form of only using post/blog sites (not OH), music (media) downloads, and non-mind challenging applications.

Yes....I agree. Unless someone actually has an area of interest and stretches their mind enough to realize that the NET can provide so much more information or that there are applications and tutorials out there that they can actually LEARN from...they do tend to limit the use.   

Yes.  Unfortunately, IMHO from a strictly commercial standpoint, those people don't matter.  The web was initially designed to bring about information to the masses.  Well... somehow/somewhere that "information" got morphed into "sale items" and "music downloads."  Non-users are still surviving without needing the added expense owning a PC.

yes, I can see how they do not matter from a commercial standpoint.  I guess my question really is...whether WE should continue to try to help OUR nonusers overcome whatever obstacles that might interfere with their ability to connect and use these resources. It might be yet another thing that can help us come up as a people....OR is it a waste of time to even try to bring them into the loop..... cause they just aren't coming.

I think we should keep working on them....be creative to let these folks know how these tools can benefit them.

This is just an example of what I am talking about and how it might apply to you: Ever thought about having a demo at a barber shop... Bet...some of those dudes don't know that they can watch the latest fad haircuts demoed on the computer...take tutorial or even get Continuing Ed credits online.

Do you think this is ludicrous...and would get your barber chair card revoked?
 
I am just writing off the top of my head...but I am always telling folks how to get a hook up on a $200 computer.

I guess the message of my post is that we need to do more to help our folks see the light.   

I guess my question really is...whether WE should continue to try to help OUR nonusers overcome whatever obstacles that might interfere with their ability to connect and use these resources. It might be yet another thing that can help us come up as a people...

That's a tough one because I don't think there is a specific and defined group of needs that would help make their desire to seek a computer out that great.

OR is it a waste of time to even try to bring them into the loop..... cause they just aren't coming.

Again I think the need to own one would have to be very well defined or all is lost.  Take, for example, cable TV circa 1980.  There was no real "need" for regular TV viewers to have it because it was primarily one channel, TBS, and unless you were jonesin' for re-runs of Gilligan Island, re-runs of The Addams Family, or Friday night wrestling, then it was definitely not a must-have.  It wasn't until ESPN, HBO, and Showtime came along that people started thinking that they needed to "pay" to watch TV. 

I think we should keep working on them....be creative to let these folks know how these tools can benefit them.

Throw some money at a think-tank; build a product/app; and make a million dollars on the back in.  Holla if you need a CEO.

This is just an example of what I am talking about and how it might apply to you: Ever thought about having a demo at a barber shop... Bet...some of those dudes don't know that they can watch the latest fad haircuts demoed on the computer...take tutorial or even get Continuing Ed credits online.

Do you think this is ludicrous...and would get your barber chair card revoked?

Nah, not really.  Brothas walk into a barbershop with an idea of what kind of haircut that they want - I mean have it all planned out in their head and everything.  The minute they sit in the chair and realize in their head that they can't correctly articulate their vision, they point to the guy leaving the shop and say, "Hook mine up like his..."  Now if you give them a demo screen with 7 or 8 choices, sheeeeeeeet...  Dem ninjas'll be there all day staring at the screen all day like they're looking at p*rn.
 
I am just writing off the top of my head...but I am always telling folks how to get a hook up on a $200 computer.

Now's the time for you to build that super-duper app to make them want to buy a $200 computer. 

@ Nah, not really.  Brothas walk into a barbershop with an idea of what kind of haircut that they want - I mean have it all planned out in their head and everything.  The minute they sit in the chair and realize in their head that they can't correctly articulate their vision, they point to the guy leaving the shop and say, "Hook mine up like his..."  Now if you give them a demo screen with 7 or 8 choices, sheeeeeeeet...  Dem ninjas'll be there all day staring at the screen all day like they're looking at p*rn

Thanks Aye!!!

Very good insight!

While I am glad the schools are doing more, I just feel for the kids that won't be exposed more at home. Sometimes the parents need to buy in for the child to benefit.  I can agree that that a lot of our adults will NEVER buy in.  

Interesting topic, MD! 

I’ll start by stating that my perspective may be a bit skewed, since Hubby and I are both in IT.

Do you think this gap is narrowing significantly? Why or Why not.

Yes, for the reasons you stated.  Proliferation of devices like cell phones, gaming devices, some of which access the web, has helped. More recently, lower prices on devices like music players, computers and netbooks boosted their use.  A low price point puts the technology in the hands of more people who previously found it cost prohibitive.

Do you see any disturbing trends now that WE are getting connected? 
Yes! (1)Sadly, texting is having a negative impact on the quality of writing and spelling for kids because they learn the 'text versions' of spelling/shortcutting words and its showing up in their schoolwork. I know some teachers who are appalled by the work they see from students which are written, at least in part, in ‘texting’ form.  (2) Increasingly, folks are texting & so fully engrossed in their techno-devices and are pulling away from real human interaction. We know kids who barely talk on the phone at all anymore, but are now heavy users of texting.  For example, we provided our Godson with a cell & unlimited text plan.  That rascal sent/received over 6,000 texts in a single month, all all hours, before I noticed the level & placed limitations on it to cover school hours, late night hours, and number of texts.  (3) I will refrain from a long rant on texting while driving, but I will say that it is not only stupid, but deadly.  2 weeks ago, I narrowly avoided a 40 mph head-on collision with a (grown man) driver who was texting while driving.  The same applies for fiddling with a GPS, or driver-viewable video displays (or any item requiring involved focal attention away from the road). 


Do you know people that Will NOT connect...no matter how much you tell them it might benefit them to do so?

Not anymore, but it was mostly senior citizens a few years back. My mom’s friend was so anti-automation/technology, she wouldn’t even use an ATM!

Since we are in the biz, this is not the case in our family.  As we replace our computer equipment, we give the used good stuff to someone in the family, friends, or friends’ kids.  At present, no one in our circle is without a computer.

My own Mom loves her PC and the internet. She is 76 and the ‘gadget girl’ of her circle of friends. She banks & shops online, uses email daily and has her cell phone with her all the time.  She even sends the occasional text!

About 6 years ago, we replaced her PC with a new, small one with a flat screen monitor and a modular desk for the new goods.  She decided to have us set it up in the great room, where she & her friends hang out instead of back in her home office.  With the new setup, she got to show all her friends the latest emailed pictures.  That immediately sparked their interest in computers since most want those instant grandkid photos and to email with friends & family.  She since showed them how to use the PC and the internet. All of her friends now have computers, and all but 1 has a cellphone.

Thanks for posting PMT!

Yes! (1)Sadly, texting is having a negative impact on the quality of writing and spelling for kids because they learn the 'text versions' of spelling/shortcutting words and its showing up in their schoolwork. I know some teachers who are appalled by the work they see from students which are written, at least in part, in ‘texting’ form. 

Wow...I did not know that this was becoming a concern. Good to know...so folks can monitor this at home as well.

@ That rascal sent/received over 6,000 texts in a single month
 
My oldest has been begging for a cell phone plan. I have been very reluctant. She has a prepaid and a budget...and I think at her age (11) that's enough BUT I do know that a lot of kids have plans.   

@ (My own Mom loves her PC and the internet. She is 76 and the ‘gadget girl’ of her circle of friends. She banks & shops online, uses email daily and has her cell phone with her all the time.  She even sends the occasional text!

About 6 years ago, we replaced her PC with a new, small one with a flat screen monitor and a modular desk for the new goods.  She decided to have us set it up in the great room, where she & her friends hang out instead of back in her home office.  With the new setup, she got to show all her friends the latest emailed pictures.  That immediately sparked their interest in computers since most want those instant grandkid photos and to email with friends & family.  She since showed them how to use the PC and the internet. All of her friends now have computers, and all but 1 has a cellphone.


OMG...this just tickled me. I love this story.  I am delighted at how folks that suddenly discover computers and technology GET so thrilled at the world they have opened up for themselves.

Its the same with my mom, if it were not for her computer, she would be depressed everyday. The computer helps her escape.  In this case, I see it as a good thing else...cause I fear I would have lost her long ago if she had not found something else to focus on.    

 Actually, poor writing due to the overuse of texting is not just a problem in schools. There was an article that appeared in CIO magazine that talked about poorly written interoffice memos and business emails due to the overuse of texting. There are no kids in corporate America. 

And don't get me started on the dude I "dated" who's idea of romance was sexting me all day. Needless to say, that "romance" crashed and burned.

Hey Ziggy,

Yes sir re.....that sexting is way of of control....considering  recent headlines.  It's my understanding that texting and internet addiction is now being considered for inclusion in DSM-V .

I sure would hate to be the person reviewing the slew of crazy arse disability claims that will ensue as a result.  For real...some people won't get up from the computer to eat...let alone wash their tail. Daily functioning is brought to a standstill.