Information, technology and the class gap: How does information sharing affect community health?

While sitting in the corner cafe patio, we are all able to hail a cab, order a pizza, reserve a table, send work emails or buy a plane ticket. At the touch of a finger, seemingly without the need for cash exchange, we simply do what we want as quickly as possible with the most convenience. For those who lack the means—material or technological—these simple conveniences are impossibilities.

 

This technology gap was created by a class gap, but the class gap looks different than it used to: instead of simple economic differences, we now see accessibility differences, technology differences and educational differences that define the "haves" and "have-nots." Zach Exley will explore the marginalization of those who are technologically disadvantaged and consider the impact this new class system might have on healthy community building. Have technology and access become a friend or the enemy to communities?