Redefining the Digital Divide

The digital divide is used to describe the gap between certain geographic areas and different demographics’ access to internet and communication technologies. When the term gained traction in the 1990s, it was often talked about in terms of who had and did not have access to computers. But today, people can access the internet through their phones. Around 72% of Latinos over eighteen own smartphones – almost 10% more than the national average. Smartphones are often a cheaper option for Latino families and according to Nielson Latinos are, “the trendsetters when it comes to digital device ownership and online usage.” Latinos continue to have less access to desktop or laptop computers but because of their heavy online mobile usage, the divide is more complicated than just an issue of those who “have” and those who “have not.” Antonia Cereijido visited a middle school in Harlem, P.S. 161, to find out how this divide is playing out with young Latinos.