The Divide
The internet and sports have a lot in common and they play off each other. There is something called a digital divide which is the gap in the ways that groups access and use technology which eventually divides those groups. I immediately thought about how this relates to golf. Golf is an expensive investment and it can divide the underprivileged people to the well-off people of society.
The First Tee is an amazing example of an organization who provides opportunities to underprivileged youth. Visit their website to learn more about this non-profit. The First Tee uses the internet to advertise and promote their activities. The problem is they have to have an alternative way to reach those who do not have access to internet.
This is similar to how different groups in society are more well off and can afford internet services or other types of technology and receive more information in a quick manner. The groups that cannot afford technology have to find other ways to access information but they will never be as informed or up to date as those with internet.
Internet can contribute to the development of common understandings and points of view. Relating that to golf, the First Tee contributes to young minds and teaches them how to be well-rounded members of the community. The First Tee is like the internet of the golf world. The internet is also a place where people can learn about each other and that is why it can be critical to society but low income and standard of living is a barrier to those digital connections.
It is going to be difficult to get the underdeveloped nations equal technology access because access is closely related to national income. Only 24% of adults in developing nations have cell phones that can access the internet as opposed to 50% of Americans owning a smartphone that can access internet anywhere.
Internet is a large part of our lives today and so are sports. If we relate a problem to something we enjoy we can understand the problem on a personal level. I am thankful for having access to technology as well as the opportunities it provides, just like the First Tee gives opportunities to young golfers.
xxx
Emily Stinson
Full Swing Ahead
Sources:
Superconnected by Chayko: Chapter 5
