From Connected and Empowered: A Digital Equity Plan for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (November 2023) | See Benton summary
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania strives to achieve universal and equitable connectivity to support the state's social, economic, and quality of life outcomes. Internet access and skills have been embedded into state goals and investments across multiple agencies. Moving forward, the PBDA is positioned to lead and coordinate statewide investments to connect residents meaningfully to digital opportunities.
Digital equity's importance can also be described through the lens of “digital dignity,” a phrase coined by Sharon Strover in 2019. As our society increasingly relies on online services, platforms, and communication means, those lacking reliable access or limited exposure miss out on opportunities.
Students with computers at home can complete homework assignments. At the same time, those without access need to catch up in school or spend their evenings seeking out public Wi-Fi connections to achieve the same work. Aging residents can stay comfortably in their homes longer with online access to telehealth appointments, delivery services to the door, and social connections. New job and educational opportunities that support upward economic mobility are available to residents with reliable broadband access and a level of comfort with computer use. Residents can learn new skills and apply for jobs easily from their homes: in the evenings around work schedules, while caring for children, without requiring commute time or the expenses related to car ownership and public transit.
Digital dignity reflects the American value of opportunity for all: every person should have the same access to participate in the digital world. In a 2022 study by Matthews and Ali, researchers described how frequently internet use is taken for granted by those with strong computer skills and reliable broadband. Meanwhile, those without spend extra time and effort trying to locate the same information or access the same services through other means. Whether due to a poor connection or low comfort level with computers or software, individuals are silenced without the ability to contribute equally to virtual calls for work, with friends, and in public forums.
To support a healthy and economically strong Commonwealth, every resident deserves to have digital dignity and confidently participate in our increasingly connected society.