Today, nearly a quarter of Australians are digitally excluded, depriving them of the numerous benefits that online connectivity provides in terms of education, social connections, and economic opportunities. This issue, known as the digital divide, is a well-documented social problem that affects individuals who face challenges in accessing, affording, or using digital services. Disadvantages resulting from digital exclusion significantly reduce the quality of life for those on the wrong side of the divide.
Research has consistently shown that certain groups are at higher risk of being digitally excluded. In Australia, older individuals, residents of remote areas, people with lower incomes, and First Nations peoples are more likely to face this exclusion. On a global scale, reports indicate that one-third of the world’s population, primarily representing the poorest countries, remains offline. Additionally, the digital gender divide persists, with women, particularly in low and middle-income countries, experiencing more barriers to digital connectivity.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on the consequences of digital inequity. As people were forced to stay indoors and limit face-to-face interactions, those without digital access faced heightened risks. The impacts ranged from social isolation to limited job prospects and a lack of access to crucial health information. The United Nations Secretary-General has emphasized that the digital divide has become a matter of life and death.
While the digital divide was initially defined as a gap in access to computers and the internet, it is now understood to be more complex. Limited or no access to digital technology leads to reduced familiarity, lower confidence, disengagement, and a sense of incapability. As artificial intelligence (AI) tools become increasingly integrated into various aspects of our lives, including workplaces and classrooms, there is a concern that AI could deepen, rather than narrow, the digital divide.
To examine the impact of digital exclusion on individuals’ experiences with AI, our recent research conducted in late 2023 surveyed a representative sample of Australian adults. We assessed participants’ digital confidence and asked for their thoughts and expectations regarding AI. The findings revealed that digital confidence was lower among women, older individuals, those with reduced salaries, and those with limited digital access. Furthermore, the data showed a clear connection between people’s perceptions, attitudes, and experiences with AI and their overall confidence in digital technology. Those with higher digital confidence displayed more positive attitudes towards AI.
These findings emphasize the importance of considering digital confidence when aiming to build inclusive AI. Firstly, they confirm that digital confidence is not evenly distributed, highlighting the lack of privilege in this regard. Secondly, they indicate that digital inclusion is more than just securing access or acquiring skills; it also involves individuals feeling confident in their ability to interact with technology. Thirdly, if we fail to address existing forms of digital exclusion, these issues are likely to spill over into perceptions, attitudes, and experiences with AI.
While there are valid concerns associated with AI deployment, responsible implementation of AI can have significant positive impacts on society, especially in terms of inclusivity. For instance, computer vision technology can track the trajectory of a tennis ball during a match, making it audible for blind or visually impaired spectators. AI has also shown promise in analyzing online job postings to enhance employment outcomes for underrepresented populations, including First Nations peoples.
In conclusion, as countries work towards reducing the digital divide, it is crucial to ensure that the rise of AI does not hinder or exacerbate these efforts. By addressing digital exclusion and fostering digital confidence, we can build a future where AI contributes to inclusivity and improves lives for all.
The digital divide is a pressing issue that affects a significant portion of the global population. In Australia, nearly a quarter of the population is digitally excluded, with certain groups being at higher risk, such as older individuals, residents of remote areas, people with lower incomes, and First Nations peoples. Globally, one-third of the world’s population, primarily in the poorest countries, remains offline. Women, particularly in low and middle-income countries, also face barriers to digital connectivity.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the consequences of digital inequity. Those without digital access faced heightened risks during lockdowns, including social isolation, limited job prospects, and a lack of access to crucial health information. The United Nations Secretary-General has emphasized that the digital divide has become a matter of life and death.
While the digital divide was initially defined as a gap in access to computers and the internet, it is now understood to be more complex. Limited access to digital technology leads to reduced familiarity, lower confidence, disengagement, and a sense of incapability. There is a concern that as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into various aspects of our lives, including workplaces and classrooms, it could deepen the digital divide.
Research conducted in late 2023 in Australia examined the impact of digital exclusion on individuals’ experiences with AI. The findings revealed that digital confidence was lower among women, older individuals, those with reduced salaries, and those with limited digital access. Digital confidence, or feeling competent and comfortable in using digital technology, played a significant role in people’s attitudes and perceptions of AI. Those with higher digital confidence displayed more positive attitudes towards AI.
These findings highlight the importance of considering digital confidence when aiming to build inclusive AI. Digital confidence is not evenly distributed, and addressing digital exclusion should be a priority. Simply securing access or acquiring skills is not enough; individuals need to feel confident in their ability to interact with technology. Failures to address digital exclusion can spill over into perceptions, attitudes, and experiences with AI.
Despite concerns, responsible implementation of AI can have positive impacts on society, especially in terms of inclusivity. For example, AI-powered computer vision technology can make sports events accessible for blind or visually impaired spectators by tracking the trajectory of objects and making them audible. AI has also shown promise in analyzing online job postings to enhance employment outcomes for underrepresented populations.
In conclusion, as efforts are made to reduce the digital divide, it is crucial to ensure that the rise of AI does not hinder or exacerbate these efforts. Addressing digital exclusion and fostering digital confidence are essential for building a future where AI contributes to inclusivity and improves lives for all.
The source of the article is from the blog combopop.com.br