The term “Digital Divide” basically refers to the gap between the people, communities, countries that have access to modern Information and communication technology (ICT) and those who do not have access to it. Digital divide includes disparities in access to the Internet, digital devices and digital literacy.
In Nepal, every sector such as health, education, trade etc are influenced by technology, but there are several factors like geographical condition, economic situation, literacy rate that hinder the access of ICT which ultimately lead to digital divide. The digital divide is creating a new form of conflict in Nepali society that are discussed below:
i. Economic Inequalities:
There is a digital divide between rural and urban populations. People living in urban areas have very good access to technology and the internet, through which they can learn new ideas and apply them in their work. This helps them for their economic growth but on the other hand people living in rural areas have very limited access to ICT and they are living their life in traditional form.
ii. Educational Inequalities:
There is an Urban- Rural divide in the education sector. Students living in urban areas have various tools of ICT in learning. They have easy access to the resources of learning materials whereas people living in rural areas have to wait a long time to get the course book. Schools in rural areas often lack technological resources that create unequal situations between rural and urban students.
iii. Political and social Exclusion:
People who have access to technology can express their views in digital media and get the information, news quickly about any social and political issues. Those without access to technology are excluded from important current affairs, conversations and decision making processes, leading to feelings of marginalization. This can create conflicts and social tension between communities.
iv. Health Disparities:
People with internet access get the chance to become aware about various diseases. They can get the ideas of symptoms and preventive measures from different ICT tools. For example: a man living with internet access can get the information about spreading dengue and he/she can become aware about it and can take preventive measures. If that same person suffers from that disease, he /she can have a near approach for blood inspection. As soon as he reaches home, he/she can get the report in his/her cell phone. This is all the advancement of technology. On the other hand, the people living without access to the internet have to suffer from several diseases due to lack of information and awareness.
v. Gender Inequality:
Digital divide leads to gender inequality. In every house, most men are aware about new technology and latest innovation as they are spending more time with digital gadgets whereas women in many regions have less access to digital tools and education, this leads to gender inequality.
Digital divide - Mentimeter
To bridge the digital divide and reduce conflict, Nepal must invest in: expanding Internet services in rural areas, promoting affordable devices and promoting digital literacy programs in all villages.
Obviously, due to digital divide the policy of Government for public service could not achieve it's target.
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