As digital technology has become the principal means for communication, education and commerce worldwide, the COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated the critical importance of having access to it. Not everyone can have equal access to digital technology, which has created new inequality and exacerbated old ones. The rural-urban divide is one of the largest digital divides. It affects rural residents who are less able to access technology than urban dwellers. In this essay, I will explore how the rural-urban digital divide has affected people’s ability to use technology during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is well-known that there exists a digital divide between rural and urban areas in several countries. The rural-urban divide refers specifically to the difference in internet access between urban and rural residents. The accessibility to technology can be affected by the lack of resources and education in rural areas. This has been made more evident by the COVID-19 pandemic. People in urban areas were able access technology remotely while rural residents struggled.
Telehealth has been a widespread technological breakthrough during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Telehealth allows people to access medical care remotely, which has been particularly important during the pandemic when many people have been unable or reluctant to visit doctors’ offices or hospitals in person. Telehealth is only possible with reliable internet access and the use of a smartphone or computer. Telehealth is available for those in urban areas who have access to the internet at high speeds. However, rural residents often have difficulty using it.
Access to telehealth services is often difficult in rural areas due to the absence of high-speed internet. Rural areas often have poor broadband coverage which makes it hard or impossible for people to use telehealth services. People living in rural areas might not have access to the most up-to-date technology needed for telehealth services. The lack of technology access has made rural people less able to get medical treatment remotely during the pandemic.
Remote working is another technology that was extensively used in the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote working has made it possible to work during the epidemic while also minimizing risk. You will need an internet connection as well as a mobile device, such a phone or computer. Remote work is possible only if you have reliable internet access. Many people who reside in urban areas can work remotely using the most recent devices and high-speed Internet. However, rural residents often have difficulty working remotely.
Rural areas have been affected by poor internet connectivity, which has made it difficult to work remotely. It can be difficult, or even impossible, to work remotely in rural areas due to the limited coverage of broadband internet. Rural residents may lack the most recent technology needed for remote work, including tablets and laptops. Rural people are at risk due to their lack of technology access.
In conclusion, the rural-urban digital divide has had a significant impact on people’s ability to use technology during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the poor internet connection and lack of modern devices, rural residents have struggled with telehealth and remote work. Rural residents are at risk during the pandemic because they might not have the ability to access telehealth services remotely. This can also make it more difficult for them to work remotely and increase their vulnerability to contracting the virus. This divide must be addressed by investing in infrastructure to expand rural broadband coverage and ensuring that everyone has access to the most recent devices.