Digital Divide and Addiction PDF

# What is Digital Divide? The digital divide is defined as the gap that exists between those who have reliable internet access and devices and those with very limited access or none at all. # Online Gambling Addiction - Uncontrollable urge to continue gambling (stimulates the brain's reward syst...

# What is Digital Divide? The digital divide is defined as the gap that exists between those who have reliable internet access and devices and those with very limited access or none at all. # Online Gambling Addiction - Uncontrollable urge to continue gambling (stimulates the brain's reward system) despite the toll it takes on one's life. # Online Pornography Addiction # Social Media Addiction - Overly concerned about social media, driven by an uncontrollable urge to use social media, and devoting so much time and effort to social media. # Online Gaming Addiction - Compulsive playing of online games to the exclusion of other interests. # Internet Addiction If you have three or more of the following signs, it is possible that you might be suffering from internet addiction: ### Signs 1. Increasing amounts of time online to feel the same sense of satisfaction. 2. Experiencing anxiety, moodiness and compulsive fantasizing about the internet when offline. 3. Turning to the internet to cope with negative feelings. 4. Engaging in other activities related to the internet. 5. Losing relationships, jobs, or other important things. ### Definition Internet addiction is when a person has a compulsive need to spend a great deal of time on the internet, to the point where other areas of life are allowed to suffer. # Why is it important to close the gap of Digital Divide? ### Equal learning opportunity - Education is an important foundation for the rest of our lives and by limiting the opportunities in early life, the playing field will never be truly even in higher education, the workplace, or our communities as a whole. ### Wider career opportunities - Remote work is a crucial part of a competitive economy. Giving professionals the opportunity to work remotely regardless of where they live is just one of the ways to help bridge the gap between competitive professional opportunities in urban and rural areas. ### Access to community - Digital spaces are a crucial part of modern communities and have become a foundation for social, professional, and academic networks. # A Quick Overview of Digital Divide ## Causes - In some areas, internet access is either limited, unavailable, or unaffordable for those who could be equipped. - Even with a reliable internet connection, access to certain digital spaces can remain a challenge, always just out of reach for those who can't afford costly tools like laptops and software. ## Effects - This leaves countless students and professionals to rely on public computers, free internet/wifi or their own mobile devices as their only tools to exist in an increasingly digital world. - There are still many Filipinos, like those in rural areas or living under the poverty line, without devices nor internet access. ## 2 Main Characteristics 1. Access to high-speed internet 2. Access to reliable devices **FYI**: Many of the individuals who struggle from the digital divide face both.