Poor People Do Not Have Access to the Internet and Computer Technology - IELTS Essay

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Model Essay 1

In many developing countries, the lack of internet and computer technology among the impoverished is a pressing issue, inhibiting their access to essential services. This essay will delve into the financial barriers and educational gaps as primary causes of this digital divide, and discuss how government interventions, specifically through subsidies and educational reforms, can effectively bridge these disparities.

The financial obstacle is a primary barrier that restricts technology access among the economically disadvantaged in developing countries. The cost of acquiring and maintaining technology, alongside the expense of internet service, is disproportionately high in relation to the average income. For example, in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, the cost of a basic smartphone may equate to several months' wages for many individuals, making it an unattainable luxury rather than a usable tool. Compounded by the overall lower economic development, these costs act as a formidable blockade against the integration of digital tools into daily life. Additionally, the underdeveloped commercial markets in these regions often result in higher prices for technology, exacerbating the financial burden on already strained budgets.

On the educational front, a significant lack of digital literacy further alienates the poor from the digital world. Many communities in developing countries suffer from an absence of basic education that extends to computer skills and internet knowledge. To combat this, governments can implement programs designed to foster digital literacy at all educational levels. An illustrative example is Rwanda's initiative to incorporate computer science into its national curriculum, which has been instrumental in gradually increasing the population's competence in handling digital technologies. Such educational reforms, paired with investments in training teachers and providing necessary technological infrastructure, are vital for enabling meaningful participation in the digital economy.

In conclusion, the dual challenges of prohibitive costs and insufficient digital education are the main obstacles preventing the impoverished in developing countries from accessing digital services. Governments can address these barriers by introducing subsidies to lower the costs of technology and enhancing educational systems to include digital literacy.

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Model Essay 2

In many developing nations, economic constraints and infrastructural inadequacies prevent the poor from accessing digital technology, thus denying them crucial services. This essay will analyze these barriers—particularly the high cost of technology and lack of necessary infrastructure—and discuss how targeted governmental interventions, such as subsidies and enhanced educational programs, can help bridge this digital divide.

Primarily, the economic challenge stands as the most formidable barrier preventing the poor from accessing digital services. In many developing countries, the cost of technology, coupled with the expense of internet connectivity, remains prohibitively high relative to average incomes. For instance, in rural areas of India, where daily earnings may barely cover basic necessities, the prospect of investing in a computer or paying for ongoing internet service is virtually untenable. Additionally, even when individuals can afford these technologies, the associated costs such as maintenance and upgrades continue to be a burden. Furthermore, the lack of infrastructure—such as electricity and broadband networks—in impoverished regions exacerbates this issue, making it not only a matter of affordability but also of accessibility. This dual barrier of high costs and insufficient infrastructure severely limits opportunities for digital engagement and development.

To address these challenges, governments have a crucial role to play. One effective strategy is the implementation of subsidy schemes that lower the cost of internet and computer technology for low-income families. For example, the Brazilian government has initiated programs that provide discounted laptops and free Wi-Fi in public spaces, which has significantly increased digital participation among the poor. This approach not only reduces financial barriers but also promotes inclusivity. Moreover, investing in educational initiatives that promote digital literacy is essential. By incorporating computer skills training into public school curricula and establishing community learning centres, governments can equip disadvantaged populations with the necessary tools to thrive in a digital world. These educational programs are critical in ensuring that technology adoption leads to meaningful use, empowering individuals not just to access information but also to participate fully in the digital economy.

In conclusion, the digital divide in developing countries is primarily due to economic constraints and infrastructural deficiencies. To overcome these barriers, it is imperative for governments to implement subsidy programs that make technology more affordable and to invest in comprehensive educational initiatives that enhance digital literacy among the economically disadvantaged.

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