digital divide
The gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technologies, such as the internet and computers, and those who do not.
speakingwriting-task-2TechnologyGovernment and society
IELTS use
Relevant for discussing technology, inequality, education access, and government policy in speaking part 3 and task 2 essays.
Examples
- The pandemic highlighted the digital divide between students with reliable internet and those without.
- Governments must invest in infrastructure to bridge the digital divide for rural communities.
- In my view, the digital divide is one of the biggest barriers to equal job opportunities today.
Collocations
- bridge the digital divide
- Affordable internet access is essential to bridge the digital divide in developing nations.
- widen the digital divide
- Exclusive reliance on online services may widen the digital divide for elderly citizens.
- narrow the digital divide
- Community training programmes can help narrow the digital divide.
- digital divide between
- The digital divide between urban and rural areas remains significant.
Paraphrases
- technology gap: A simpler synonym useful in speaking.
- digital inequality: Emphasises the social justice aspect; good for task 2.
- information gap: Broader meaning; useful when discussing access to knowledge.
Common mistakes
- digital divide is only about computer to digital divide includes internet access and digital skills. The term covers both hardware and the ability to use technology effectively.
- digital divide between people to digital divide between groups or regions. The phrase is used to compare groups, not individuals.
- bridge the digital gap to bridge the digital divide. 'Digital divide' is the standard collocation; 'digital gap' is less common.