Reflection On Living In The 21st Century

Reflection 8living In The 21st Century It Can Be Easy To Take Technol

Reflection 8: Living in the 21st century, it can be easy to take technology for granted. Our society is deeply reliant on high-speed internet for daily activities like education, healthcare, employment, and social connectivity. However, a significant portion of Americans lack access to reliable broadband, with about a quarter of the population without any broadband internet and many more limited to subpar services such as dial-up or satellite. This digital divide has profound consequences: households without high-speed internet face barriers to online education, telehealth services, job applications, and access to vital information. For example, students in rural or impoverished areas often cannot participate fully in remote learning due to slow connections, which hampers educational attainment and future opportunities. Similarly, individuals without reliable internet are excluded from telecommuting, which has become increasingly prevalent, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Without high-speed access, these households experience social and economic disadvantages that perpetuate cycle of poverty and inequality (Vick, 2017).

Using smartphones and public Wi-Fi to access the internet presents further limitations. While smartphones are versatile tools, they often lack the functionality and stability of dedicated broadband connections. For instance, streaming high-quality videos or participating in video conferences consumes significant data, which can be costly and unreliable on mobile networks. Additionally, public Wi-Fi hotspots are often insecure, risking user privacy and data breaches. Public networks may also be slow or overloaded, leading to frustratingly laggy connections that hinder productivity. Relying solely on smartphones and public Wi-Fi can, therefore, limit access to essential services that require stable, high-speed connections, such as remote work, online education, or accessing government resources (Vick, 2017).

Various groups and individuals benefit from the perpetuation of the digital divide. As Vick discusses, certain businesses—particularly internet service providers and telecommunications companies—may oppose widening access due to the potential reduction in profits that could come from increased competition or government regulation. Politicians and policymakers who are aligned with industry interests might also delay or block initiatives aimed at expanding high-speed internet, fearing costs or disruption to the market. Moreover, some corporate interests benefit from a segmented market where underserved populations remain reliant on costly, low-quality services, thus maintaining their profit margins. Politically, the resistance to closing the digital gap is often fueled by a desire to maintain control over lucrative markets and avoid the regulatory burdens associated with universal broadband initiatives (Vick, 2017).

In his closing remarks, Vick refers to the president who initially campaigned as a populist and entered office surrounded by industry leaders. Given the context, he is most likely referring to President Donald Trump. Vick questions whether this president, despite his populist rhetoric, has the political will or capacity to implement meaningful reforms to close the digital divide. He suggests that the influence of captains of industry and corporate interests has hindered ambitious efforts to expand broadband access. The skepticism reflects a belief that entrenched economic and political interests are obstacles to achieving national broadband equity (Vick, 2017).

Vick’s argumentative stance at the end of the article serves to strengthen his overall critique by emphasizing the political and economic obstacles to closing the digital gap. His assertive tone underlines the urgency of unified political action and highlights the gap between populist promises and corporate realities. While some may perceive this as bias, it ultimately enhances his credibility by presenting a clear, candid perspective on the disconnect between political rhetoric and practical policymaking. This stance invites readers to consider the importance of political will and industry accountability in addressing one of the most pressing technological inequalities of our time (Vick, 2017).

References

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