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Racial Gap
The racial gap within this divide is a persistent issue that has received significant attention in recent years. While access to digital technologies has become increasingly widespread in the United States, there are still significant disparities in internet access and use across racial and ethnic groups. According to a report by the Pew Research Center, as of 2021, 87% of White adults in the United States use the internet, compared to 81% of Black adults and 73% of Hispanic adults. This indicates that there are still disparities in internet access and use across racial and ethnic groups, despite the overall increase in internet usage in the country. One key factor contributing to the racial gap in the digital divide is economic inequality. People of color are more likely to live in poverty or low-income households, which can limit their access to digital technologies. In addition, people of color are more likely to live in rural or remote areas where internet infrastructure is less developed. Another factor is educational inequality. A study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that schools with higher percentages of students of color were less likely to have access to technology resources such as computers, tablets, and high-speed internet. Educational attainment has impact on access to technology, noting that people with higher levels of education are more likely to have access to and use digital technologies. People of color, particularly African Americans and Hispanics, have lower rates of college completion and advanced degrees, which can limit their access to digital technologies and the benefits that come with them. Educational inequality can contribute to the racial gap in the digital divide through the systemic barriers and discrimination faced by people of color in education. Research has shown that students of color are disproportionately suspended and expelled from school, which can limit their access to technology and digital learning resources. Additionally, they may face discrimination and bias from teachers and administrators, which can impact their ability to access and utilize digital technologies. There is intersection of race and socioeconomic status in the digital divide, noting that individuals who are both low-income and of color face particularly significant barriers to accessing and using digital technologies. These individuals are more likely to lack access to high-speed internet, digital devices, and other resources necessary for effective digital engagement. Additionally, the article notes that systemic racism and discrimination can limit opportunities for individuals of color to develop the digital skills and knowledge necessary to participate fully in the digital economy.

According to the NCES, in 2019, 94% of White students had access to a computer at home, compared to 88% of Black students, 86% of Hispanic students, and 81% of American Indian/Alaska Native students. Similarly, 95% of White students had access to the internet at home, compared to 89% of Black students, 88% of Hispanic students, and 83% of American Indian/Alaska Native students. This data suggests that one cause of the racial gap in the digital divide is unequal access to technology in the home, which can be linked to socioeconomic factors and residential segregation. Students from low-income families and those living in urban or rural areas may be less likely to have access to computers and the internet at home, which can limit their ability to use digital technologies for learning and other purposes. Additionally, the quality of the technology and internet access that is available to students can vary, with students from low-income families or those attending underfunded schools potentially having slower or less reliable internet connections and outdated or malfunctioning computers. These factors can contribute to a cycle of educational and economic disadvantage, as access to digital technologies becomes increasingly important for success in many aspects of modern life.

Technological distrust among older adults can also cause digital divide leading to racial gap, which can be a barrier to their adoption of digital technologies. This distrust is often tied to past experiences of discrimination and systemic racism, which can lead to a lack of trust in institutions that promote technology.

Government surveillance practices and policies also contribute to a sense of distrust among communities of color, making them less likely to use digital technologies that require personal information sharing or other privacy concerns. For example, the revelations about the National Security Agency's (NSA) surveillance practices in the United States have led to concerns among people of color about their privacy and safety online. The fear of surveillance and government intrusion can lead to a lack of trust in digital technologies, which can discourage the use of technology and further widen the digital divide. Furthermore, government policies that fail to address issues of racial and economic inequality can contribute to the digital divide. For example, the lack of investment in education and digital literacy programs in low-income areas can lead to a lack of skills and knowledge necessary to effectively use digital technologies. Additionally, policies that limit or eliminate programs designed to provide affordable access to digital technologies can exacerbate the digital divide.

Internet use by Race/ Ethnicity: Research has shown that the racial gap within the digital divide is a complex issue that requires attention and action. Efforts to address the issue will require a multi-faceted approach that includes investment in education and digital literacy programs, policies that promote affordable access to digital technologies, and efforts to address systemic racism and discrimination.