Digital Divides, Geography of

Although for vast numbers of people the Internet has become a taken-for-granted dimension of everyday life, for many others—typically, poor people, elderly people, those with less education, and ethnic minorities—cyberspace is an inaccessible realm. For those who lack the income to buy a [Page 213]computer, do not possess the skills to use one, or do not have access to the Internet at school or at work, cyberspace offers few benefits. Indeed, for the information deprived, it may cost them opportunities such as the ability to look for jobs. People who live in a world of abundant information are those with ready Internet access; for those who do not or cannot access cyberspace, its benefits are unclear. Capitalism since the late 20th century has entered a ...