Uncommon Sense: Multiplying the Digital Divide

[Commentary] Apparently, we’re no longer concerned about access as the primary measure of the digital divide in this country. Now, according to a recent article in The New York Times, wasting time is the new digital divide.

Seems that the same disadvantaged kids who hung out in the parking lot at MacDonald’s while their wealthier counterparts pursued more structured and disciplined pursuits in pre-digital days still hang out in the parking lot at MacDonald’s, immersing themselves in games, texting and Facebook on their smartphones -- exactly like the rich kids. Seems the one thing none of them do -- regardless of socioeconomic status -- is use digital technology to satisfy the single most persistent and neglected promise of those who sell digital technology to parents: education. Young people prefer to use all this digital firepower for entertainment instead -- just like mom and dad. Go figure.