Business Question
CIS 3317: e-Business/e-Commerce
Assignment #2: (Individual) ISM’s AND THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
(Last Updated 7/16/2023)
What are the ISMs?
A collective derogatory term to lump together the radical social reform movements of the day
(such as slavery abolitionism, feminism, alcohol prohibitionism, pacifism, early socialism, so
on…). It also encompasses spiritual or religious movements that were considered unconventional
at the time (such as Transcendentalism, Spiritualism, Mormonism, and the Oneida movement,
which was often associated with the concept of “free love”). Groups or classes of individuals that
are often discussed in the context of a digital divide include, but are not limited to:
Sample Ism’s Traits or Suggestions
Racism Race vs. Access, Usage, Span of Time, access to PC’s & the internet
Sexism Gender based (technical/engineering careers, gaming, hackers….)
Classism Socioeconomic (Have/Have-Not, Speed, #)
Language English vs. non-English as primary language
Ableism Yes/No, Cost & Availability of Special Equipment
Geographical Urban vs. Rural and access to high-speed internet/resources
Ageism Catering to or alienating certain age groups of individuals
What is meant by the Digital Divide/Digital Diversity?
The digital divide refers to the gap or disparity that exists between different groups of people in
terms of access to and use of digital technologies and the internet. It encompasses both the
availability of physical access to technology and the skills and knowledge required to effectively
utilize it. According to Andrea Caumont in this 2013 article posted on www.pewresearch.org, the
5 primary causes of “Digital Diversity” (the Degree of Usage and Online Behavior) are:
1. Age
2. Income and Educational Level
3. Community Type
4. Disability
5. Spanish-Speaking Preference (ESL = English is Second Language)
Reference: http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2013/11/08/whos-not-online-5-
factors-tied-to-the-digital-divide/
During the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, the term “digital divide” was frequently mentioned,
particularly in relation to its effects on K-12 education and its broader implications for the global
population and workforce. Numerous articles highlighted the impact of the digital divide on
learning and the skills of workers during this period. A few are mentioned below:
• US’s digital divide ‘is going to kill people’ as Covid-19 exposes inequalities
• Coronavirus has exposed the digital divide like never before
• Digital Transformation And Digital Divide Post COVID-19
• What is Last Mile Internet? Learn How It Impacts Your Internet Speed
• https://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/26/texas-broadband-federal-funds/
• https://affordableconnectivity.gov/
Select one ISM of your choice and RELATE it to the concept of DIGITAL DIVIDE.
Note: You do not have to select one of ISMs from the list above as you may come up
with your own ISM which is perfectly fine – especially if you tie it in with your personal
experiences and/or family situation!
2. Write a paper answering the below questions in 5 complete paragraphs:
a. Which Ism category/grouping did you pick and why?
b. Describe the Digital Divide in your own words.
c. Find/Research statistics and facts related to the impact of the ISM you chose on
the digital divide during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic event.
d. What impact does this have in the business world if this is embraced or
condoned?
e. Reflect on what you found, feel and/or think about it or the situation.
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