Which Way Across the Digital Divide?

We may hate to admit it, but life without Internet these days is unthinkable. A White House report from last year went so far as to say “broadband is taking its place alongside water, sewer and electricity as essential infrastructure for communities.” Even so, one in four American households is still without high-speed access, and those with the lowest incomes are least able to get online.

To help close this digital divide, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler wants to subsidize broadband service for low-income households to the tune of $9.25 a month through the Universal Service Fund’s Lifeline program. His proposal comes up for a vote during the FCC’s March 31 Open Meeting.

Yumiko Aratani, director of health and mental health with the National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) and assistant professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management, supports the Wheeler proposal. She said that recent research found that low-income families often own smartphones and use them to access the Internet but, “they may experience service interruption or additional service fees to use the Internet because of their inability to pay phone bills.” In Aratani’s view, “subsidizing Internet service for the poor is critical for them to have continuous access to information, especially on available services that can benefit their health and wellbeing.”

A Pew Research study finds one in five American adults are smartphone dependent for access to the Internet. But as effective as the devices are for texting friends or engaging social media, they are clumsy, if not impossible to use for completing a job application or homework assignment—tasks which increasingly happen online.

Lack of Internet may also hampers one’s ability to learn new skills or do research—including about health topics.

Many libraries offer Internet access, but their hours are limited. New York City and other localities boast free wi-fi hotspots, but this connectivity doesn’t extend to the home. Even if broadband was extended to everyone, it may not be enough to close the digital divide.

Peter Muennig, associate professor of Health Policy and Management, says the Internet can present challenges and traps for those who have not had the same educational opportunities as wealthier Americans. “The question is, do you have the cognitive skillset to capitalize on all that information,” he says. “Typing ‘I want a job’ into Google isn't going to give you much.”

In his opinion, as a health intervention, Wheeler’s proposal by itself is only a part of closing the digital gap. “I think the subsidy is helpful, but not as helpful as it can be unless coupled with other social policies,” he says.

Effectively navigating the Internet takes a set of skills that many readers of this article may take for granted. Digital sophisticates know where to go for reliable information, avoiding misinformation and malware. They also have the mindset of using the Internet as a research tool to improve their income and their health.

To gain this level Internet savvy, Muennig believes education is essential. For example, programs such as Workin' It Out that teach soft skills for employment could add lessons in using the Internet.  “How do you dress? How do you act appropriately during an interview? These are all questions that the Internet can answer.”