Indian digital gap remarkable

Recently, Basu Chandola, assistant researcher at the Indian Observer Research Foundation, posted a document on the Organization Website to describe the phenomenon of digital gaps in India. Digital gap usually refers to the gap between individuals, families, enterprises, and regions at different socio -economic levels when contacting information communication technology and using the Internet for various activities. This article starts from the dimension and access dimensions, that is, "using the Internet" and "access mobile devices" for research.

In terms of "using the Internet", only 43%of India uses the Internet. From 2019 to 2021, the National Family and Health Survey (NFHS-5) shows that the gender gap in India's Internet use is large, only 57.1%of men and 33.3%of women have used the Internet. There is also a gap between urban and rural areas. 72.5%of cities and 51.8%of urban women have used the Internet, but only 48.7%of rural men and 24.6%of rural women meet this condition. In addition, there are quite a large number of digital gaps between different surnames.

In terms of "visiting mobile devices", 79%of India's adult men and 67%of adult women are mobile phone users. The proportion of Indian women has a rise in the proportion of mobile phones, but there is a significant gap between the use of mobile phones. Overall, the proportion of urban women's mobile phones is higher than rural women.

As shown in the survey, India has serious digital gaps, especially in the use of Internet and digital infrastructure, which mainly depends on gender and residential areas. Digital gaps have brought serious social impact, which not only deprives some basic resources of some groups, but also may exacerbate Indian existing social exclusion phenomena. With the deepening of people's dependence on digital technology and the Internet, digital gaps will also have an impact on education, health, population flow, safety, financial inclusiveness, and other aspects. Researchers call on the Indian government to further take measures to improve existing digital infrastructure to ensure that different strata of society can access information and communication technology. At the same time, it is necessary to teach the necessary digital skills to the disadvantaged groups to inspire them to integrate technology into daily life.

Source: China Social Science Network-Journal of Social Sciences of China

Author: Wang Junmei/Compilation

- END -