Digital access and human development

Abstract

Human development has traditionally been associated with factors in the economy, health, and education. In recent years, however, access to digital technologies has been considered a significant indicator of sustainable human development. It appears that an inclusive and active information society cannot be accomplished without providing digital access to a considerable majority of the society. It is also true that development goals of countries can be achieved better when government, private, and civil society combine their efforts through innovative strategies to establish productive communication regarding the effective uses of digital technologies. Improper strategies, on the other hand, carry the risk of widening the digital divide between the advantaged and disadvantaged groups so that the information gap results in increased inequalities between the rich and poor, as well as the high-educated and low-educated. Therefore, the overarching policy of contemporary societies should be making new technologies work for human development and social progress.