The Digital Divide

The Digital Divide refers to divide between people caused by the advancement in technology in some countries where others do not have the resources to come close to creating these machines or the infrastructure to access broadband.

 Its meaning is not just that of countries but of age groups as well i.e. the typical elderly person has no concept of how to work a computer or what they can be used for.  The Internet has a variety of Supermarkert websites e.g. Tesco's website, where customers can shop for their products online and have them delivered to their own homes. For Disabled or Elderly people, who are unable to shop normally in the supermarket, this is a huge convenience.

However, the Elderly and other families with low incomes may not have the money to pay for an Internet connection or computer. Due to this, they are missing out on special offers, the ease of banking online and even the general education that can come from the internet.

Gaming Online

Advantages

Gaming Online allows many people to play games and communicate with each other regardless of the distance between each other, whether it is in the next room or the other side of the planet. Some games feature the ability to play with people all over the world and also feature the option to restrict how far away their competitors can be. Online Gaming allows its users to download games on demand, as opposed to going into the town to buy the games in store. Also, there is DLC (Down-Loadable Content) which is usually bought using the same method as Games on Demand.

Disadvantages

There has always been speculation regarding video games since the introduction of Fighter and Shooter games as there is always the underlying possibility that these types of games can encourage violence in the real world and even desensitises people to violence. Also, it is easy to become addicted to them and, as said above, playing violent games can lead to violent behaviour in some people. Young people that spend a lot of their time playing games are not involved in sports or other outdoor activities and this can lead them becoming over weight causing health problems such as high blood pressure etc. which has serious effects on their childhood.

Threats

In extreme but realistic cases, the violent behaviour caused by video game (among other things) can lead to Domestic Violence which is why it is recommended that video games be played in moderation. Also the addictive side of games can cause a break down in relationships causing the addicts communication skills to deteriorate quickly as they become more and more addicted leading to obsession.