The Great Digital Divide The digital divide is defined as the gap between the information of the "haves", the information of the "haves" and the information of the "have-nots". This disparity has arguably persisted since the advent of the Gutenberg printing press and continues to be pervasive and thriving to this day. There are many individuals who commonly perceive the digital divide as consisting solely of unequal access to computers and the Internet, but this is not the only case. It is vitally important to recognize that the digital divide does not only include inequality in access to computers and the Internet, but also includes the right to use other telecommunications or technological devices; for example, cell phones, satellites, and even basic cable services for the rather universal activity of television viewing. In chronological order, the following exposition will present a comprehensive consideration of the premises of the digital divide, the groups affected and stratified by the digital divide, and, finally, the notions or initiatives that have been adopted in an attempt to stop this ever-widening divide. As mentioned, in general, the digital divide consists of an inequality in access to technology. In more complex terminology, it is the chasm in access to technological tools and related learning opportunities, most commonly dictated by socioeconomic status, race, gender, and so on (Digital Divide Network, 2002). Expert critics have typically divided those affected by the digital divide into a triad of distinct assemblies; the “haves,” the “haves,” and the “have-nots” (Globalization: The Reader, p. 81). The "haves" include individuals with...... middle of paper ......obalization: The Reader. Routledge Publishing: New York, 2000. “Digital Divide.” PBS. (2002). Available online: http://www.pbs.org/digitaldivide/.“Falling Through the Net: Defining the Digital Divide.” National Telecommunications and Information Administration. (1999). Available online: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/fttn99/contents.html.Gauntlett, David. Web Studies. Arnold Publishing: New York, 2000.Sargent, Mark. “Community Technology Centers: A National Movement to Close the Digital Divide.” Digital divide network. (2002). Available online: http://www.digitaldividenetwork.org/content/stories/index.cfmkey=245. “Kofi Annan: IT industry must help bridge the global digital divide.” Digital divide network. (2003). Available online: http://www.digitaldividenetwork.org/content/stories/index.cfm?key=272.