THE PERILS OF INTERNET DISPARITY

THE PERILS OF INTERNET DISPARITY

 

By Sachin S Solanki

 

At times when we remain indulged in a breast-beating celebration of our technological feats, there is a world that is still struggling to keep pace with the developments of the present. And nothing explains this contrast more than the internet and digital divide in today’s world. On one hand, where efforts are being made to launch a string of satellites, rovers and orbiters in space to our celestial neighbors, it is shockingly disappointing when one thinks of the many digital blind spots that exist amongst us, right here on the Earth.

 The data speaks

 As per the India Inequality Report 2022, published by OXFAM India, there is a drastic gap between rural and urban India in the usage of the Internet. While the urban areas are readily moving ahead, internet usage in rural areas remains woefully inadequate at around 31%. This wide gulf reflects poorly in other domains like education and health.

In the field of education, the report highlights that only a meagre 9% of the students had an internet connection. This negatively influences students’ accessibility to webinars and vital information that may act as a guiding light towards better choice-making. The existence of such rifts also creates deep disparities in learning and educational outcomes, thereby leading to marginal or no productivity. At HEEALS, we have always engaged in carrying service delivery to the last mile where it is most needed. As part of our Digital Learning Programme, we have previously engaged in providing students with digital devices and classes on usage of the internet to further the engagement around digital connectivity and its many advantages.

We believe that lack of connectivity and accessibility also has ramifications in the healthcare sector. People of all age groups lose out on the digital health infrastructure and essential resources due to digital isolation. To make matters worse, the Internet in India Report 2022 highlights not only a regional digital divide between states but also between genders and communities, thereby creating unbridgeable silos and blind spots.

Additionaly, as part of our menstrual hygiene campaign at HEEALS, we found a disappointing lack of dialogue in rural societies around menstrual hygiene and sanitation. This has a disproportionate impact as it causes not only further marginalisation of women and other menstruating people but also tampers their growth and potential. However, with the help of the internet, it is possible and perhaps badly needed to extend the dialogue around such critical issues, whereby people from different geographies can collaborate in the creation of safe spaces likevirtual help desks or personalized guidance sessions.

At an individual level, the Internet is a sine qua non for realizing one’s potential and identity. People and groups who are more vulnerable to social injustices and discrimination often lack valuable anchor points to make meaningful life choices and connections. And in the light of lack of resources and connectivity, their struggle gets exacerbated manifold, leading to rise of increase in cases of poor mental health and suicide. As per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)’s data from 2021, the rate of dying by suicide has gone up by 7.2 per cent. Internet, therefore, can offer a healing touch and guiding light to those in need in terms of online therapies or virtual support groups.

Last but not least, the Internet’s role in the modern economic space is undeniably essential. As per the India Inequality Report, the poorest 40% is less likely to make digital payments, which is demoralizing in view of inclusive and equitable development. Lack of adequate connectivity erodes not just people’s availability to catch pace with the modern economic system where digital payments have become a norm but also their ability to learn and evolve in a more connected economic space. Furthermore, individuals from remote geographical locations and orthodox social settings where conventional professions are preferred are more likely to face an extra burden due to a lack of digital connectivity. This ultimately accentuates economic and transformational costs and negatively impacts the growth of not just a community but a country at large.

 Way ahead

We believe that the Internet in today’s world is the life breath of a society which helps in providing resources, expertise and a better quality of life. The apex court has underlined repeatedly that the right to the Internet is an essential part of the larger chapter on fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. Internet, when used judiciously, opens doors to universal upliftment and prosperity for all sections. Efforts like the recent PM WANI (Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) scheme which aspires to enlarge Wi-fi connectivity throughout the country must not only be appreciated but also replicated to reach a wider segment of society. The need of the hour is a strong partnership with local NGOs and door-to-door campaigns to maximise dialogue and outreach.

 

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References used-

 

1- National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)’s data, 2021-

 

https://ncrb.gov.in/sites/default/files/ADSI-2021/adsi2021_Chapter-2-Suicides.pdf

 

2- India Inequality Report 2022-

 

https://www.oxfamindia.org/knowledgehub/workingpaper/india-inequality-report-2022-digital-divide

 

 

3- Internet in India Report 2022-

 

https://www.iamai.in/sites/default/files/research/Internet%20in%20India%202022_Print%20version.pdf

 

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