Mathews Guide : Additional Resources

The digital divide is worse in some parts of the U.S. than in others. For example, states like Mississippi and West Virginia have more homes without Internet, while states like Washington and Colorado have better access. The government and some companies are trying to fix this by making the Internet cheaper and improving service in places that need it. They hope to give everyone the chance to learn, work, and stay connected.

This website goes into depth about digital literacy, access to devices, healthcare, internet access, education, and the economy, and how these factors contribute to the digital divide. Bridging the digital divide promotes equal opportunities for all.

The video talks about how some kids and families don't have internet, which makes it harder for them to learn and do well. One boy goes to school, but without internet, he falls behind. A girl nearby also struggles because she can’t get online. Half of the world's people can't use the internet, making it tough for them to escape poverty. The video says that everyone should have a right to be connected, and we need to find new ways, like better networks and technology, to make this happen. Being online helps people learn, work, and connect.

The video shows how hard it can be for people in the U.S. to get internet, especially in rural areas. Jeff lives near Columbus, Ohio, but doesn’t have good internet at home, so he has to drive around to find Wi-Fi for his son’s schoolwork. More than 40 million Americans don’t have internet, making it hard for them to work, study, and get what they need, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some small towns are finding creative solutions to bring internet to their areas, like a man who set up internet for 20 families on a mountaintop.

The video shows how the digital divide affects people in both rural and city areas. Heather, who lives in a small town, struggles with slow internet, making it hard to run her photography business. She often has to drive to places with better connections. Marguerite, who is blind, explains that good internet is a necessity because it helps her use apps that make life easier. The video highlights that having reliable internet is now as important as having water or electricity. It helps people learn, work, and stay connected, no matter where they live.