Tough Question

Depending on one's knowledge of under developed countries and their access to the Internet and accurate sources of news it would be a difficult 'Yes' or 'No' decision...


POLL
This weekly poll is part of the World Development Report 2016: Internet for Development.

Will the digital divide-the gap between those with access to modern information and communications technology and those without it-disappear over time?

YES. The dramatic reduction in cost of digital equipment and services and radical new technologies to expand digital access to all parts of the world economy would imply a shrinking digital divide overtime. Just like the universality of the feature phones, the poor will be able to afford smart phones and access the internet like everyone else.
NO. While existing digital divide will be overcome, new divides will emerge. By the time most poor households have smart phones, the rich would have moved to wearables, autonomous vehicles, 3D printing, and so on. And even if we can reduce digital divide across countries, access to the internet between men and women, rural and urban areas and rich and poor households within each country will persist.

VoteView Results

Now look at the answers:

POLL
This weekly poll is part of the World Development Report 2016: Internet for Development.

Will the digital divide-the gap between those with access to modern information and communications technology and those without it-disappear over time?

YES. The dramatic reduction in cost of digital equipment and services and radical new technologies to expand digital access to all parts of the world economy would imply a shrinking digital divide overtime. Just like the universality of the feature phones, the poor will be able to afford smart phones and access the internet like everyone else.  44.61%   

 

NO. While existing digital divide will be overcome, new divides will emerge. By the time most poor households have smart phones, the rich would have moved to wearables, autonomous vehicles, 3D printing, and so on. And even if we can reduce digital divide across countries, access to the internet between men and women, rural and urban areas and rich and poor households within each country will persist.  55.39%