The world wide web of the internet is not so world wide for some California residents. A recent study by the Public Policy Institute of California shows significant gaps in availability of the internet for some residents. http://www.ppic.org/content/pubs/jtf/JTF_DigitalDivideJTF.pdf Today, the internet has become the way students do research for school projects, how parents communicate with teachers, and how people find jobs.
Trends in in-home broadband follow economic trends. Residents without a college education had broadband in home 37% of the time compared to 83% of the time for college educated residents. US born residents had in home access 71% of the time versus 31% for non-citizens. Latinos reported having broadband at home 39% of the time, blacks 62%, Asians 74% and whites at 75%. Trends in internet usage (using access where available) followed similar patterns.
The study shows that while internet access and use has increased, not everyone has been included. Public libraries frequently provide free internet access for residents who have a library card. Cutbacks in library services may push the numbers even lower for Latinos, non-citizens, and those without a college education.
Why are these trends so concerning? Using the internet has become the primary way job seekers find their next position. Many companies only take applications over the internet - they will not take your application if you walk in, you must fill it out online first. The internet has become the primary way students perform research. If a student does not have easy access, they may not be able to complete school assignments. This can have further impacts. Not having ready access to the internet may make it hard for some residents to move up the economic ladder.
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