Slide 1 – Intro slide – The Digital Divide and the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
Slide 2 – Objectives – The following presentation will review The digital divide and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as wellness and the important role it plays in our daily lives (slides 3 – 10)
Origin of Issue/Event:
Slide 3. The term the digital divide is not a new term in the 21st century. Although some may not know it event exists. The digital divide or as some to refer to as the digital gap was first popularized in the 1990s. It began around the 1990s when technology started to advance, modernize and be readily available. Some examples changed technologies as compared to the 60s to the 80s include, faster and smaller computers, faster data servers and data networks, mobile cellular, television, and the internet. The COVID-19 pandemic widened and brought to light the digital and exposed that there is a difference for those who have access to modern technology and those who do not. The differences can be seen in countries whether they are developed or underdeveloped, culture, gender, age, and income.
What is it about:
Slide 4. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the very visible distinctions between demographics, socioeconomics, and culture. Some of the differences portray a stark reality of internet access around the globe. Despite advances in technology, according to a United Nations study published in 2021, about half of the “world’s population, 3.7 billion people”, do not have access to the internet (Secretary-General, 2021). In 2021, as the pandemic has changed the way we do a lot of things such as work, learn, and communicate – means having some basic resources such as a computer to access the internet, a smart phone, and the skills to operate all these devices. It is undeniable when the pandemic arose that undeveloped nations, minorities, senior citizens, schoolchildren, and people with low-income have less access to modern technology. Even though the lack of modern technology was not unique prior to the pandemic, the existence of the digital divide, furthered the disconnection and pushed some into poverty. Having access to modern technology shinned a light on the what it means to have access to technology. The pandemic and digital divide has made difference on disseminating critically information on the vaccine, prevention, and treatment for virus.
Impact Issue/Event on society:
Slide 5. The pandemic has furthered the movement to those close the digital divide. The movement has had a significant impact on peoples lives all over the world. The following slides on the screen compare online usage before and during the pandemic. As shown, internet usage increased, nearly doubling in some areas. Access to modern technology during the pandemic has impacted society significantly as there is now a class of people who have access to the internet, and another class of people who do not use the services, either because of financial constraints or low levels of literacy in the community. Age, ethnicity, and language are some of the main elements that contribute to the digital divide in our culture, as well as other ones. With the rise of the digital divide, there has been an increase in the number of new alignments in the community, in which people are classified according to their ability to access internet services. As a result, those who have limited access to digital technologies continue to stay behind in THE modern technology era instead of bringing together or progressing in it.
Individual framework or perception:
Slide 6. I recall being introduced to the phrase “digital divide” for the first time in 2012. As an information technology professional, I worked in a department that provided help to government personnel and low-income citizens. I became a member of a project that supplied its residents with a computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and a MiFi that supplied 4GBs of data each month. When I first heard the phrase, I immediately realized the implications of not having access to mobile technology, a computer, or the necessary skillset. I’ve been looking into the digital divide today, as well as the effect of the COVID-19 epidemic, and I’ve discovered that it has not only increased the gap, but it has also driven people into poverty, as internet connection has become more important. So much of our everyday life and our future are now dependent on technological advancements.
Wellness and Society:
Slide 7. The practice of wellness is important in society. Understanding wellness has an impact of an individuals health, it also helps to understand life’s circumstances, misfortunes, and it assists with improving ones wellness. Understanding wellness is also critical to comprehending how to regulate your state of mind and manage emotions such as after the loss of a loved one. At the beginning of the pandemic, it was important to understand people and the impacts the virus would have on a population. Wellness played a major role in personal and professional goals as well. Self-esteem and self-awareness played a significant role in practicing and maintaining good health.
Understanding Wellness:
Slide 8. Today’s society places a high value on having an understanding of awareness of one’s own well-being in order to develop effective social connections. It has an influence on ambitions for both personal and professional growth. A deeper awareness of one’s own well-being enables one to discern when one should seek professional treatment, such as inpatient rehabilitation or the services of a therapist, and when one should not. It also assists in the comprehension of major variables that may have an effect on a person’s well-being, enabling them to prioritize characteristics that promote healthy cohabitation with one another. It also helps to better understand what influences an individual’s mental health. To conclude, recognizing and acknowledging one’s own well-being may benefit in understanding the aspects that may influence the well-being of others.
Understanding Wellness (continued)
Slide 9. Continuing – Wellness is important in society. It helps in understanding the aspects that affect good social integration. It also helps understanding empathy. Wellness contributes to achieving a healthy life and reaching goals. Understanding wellness also improves relationships and helps others to appreciate diversity. It is not only exercising, eating well but also emotional, social and financial.
Conclusion:
Slide 10. It is vital to develop methods for enhancing health and well-being while simultaneously increasing public awareness of the need to do so. Stakeholders must also decide the most effective strategies of sharing health and wellness information in the community. People who participate in mental health services such as counseling are able to get assistance and improve on wellness goals. An example of this when individuals make the link between their goals and their accomplishments, with the key motivation being the goal of health and well-being. Furthermore, wellness promotes health, educational and income goals. It adds value to society and improves overall relationships. “Without wellness, there is nothing. Without wellness, you cannot achieve success in life, and nothing matters without your wellness.” (Knyszewski, 2021) and as I like to say “your wealth is your health”.
Slide 11. References:
References
Administration, T. N. (1999). Falling Through the Net: Defining the Digital Divide : a Report on the Telecommunications and Information Technology Gap in America. Wasington. D.C.: U.S. Department of Commerce. Retrieved from https://www.ntia.doc.gov/legacy/ntiahome/fttn99/daley.html
Bernard, S. (2011, August 11). Crossing the Digital Divide: Bridges and Barriers to Digital Inclusion. Retrieved from www.edutopia.org: https://www.edutopia.org/digital-divide-technology-access-inclusion
Knyszewski, J. (2021, October 07). Candee Teng: “Without wellness, there is nothing”. Retrieved from thriveglobal.com: https://thriveglobal.com/stories/candee-teng-without-wellness-there-is-nothing/
SAMHSA. (n.d.). Creating a Healhier Life: A Step-By-Step Guide to Wellness. Retrieved from https://store.samhsa.gov/: https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma16-4958.pdf
Secretary-General, D. (2021, April 27). With Almost Half of World’s Population Still Offline, Digital Divide Risks Becoming ‘New Face of Inequality’, Deputy Secretary-General Warns General Assembly. Retrieved from UN.org: https://www.un.org/press/en/2021/dsgsm1579.doc.htm
The pandemic has made mental well-being a public health must. (2021, July 23). Retrieved from World Economic Forum: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/07/pandemic-mental-health-wellness-self-care/
With Almost Half of World’s Population Still Offline, Digital Divide Risks Becoming ‘New Face of Inequality’, Deputy Secretary-General Warns General Assembly. (2021, April 27). Retrieved from UN.org: https://www.un.org/press/en/2021/dsgsm1579.doc.htm
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