The digital divide between haves and have-nots is a well-known issue. Those with access to technology and internet enjoyed a significant advantage vs those without, often facing barriers to services, education, social connections, and more. With the emergence of cheap access to technology, this gap is no longer that significant. However, with the push for digitalisation and automation, a new trend of digital divide is emerging – having access to human connections or digital-only interactions.
Many of us common people will probably end up interacting with a machine or an AI bot in our daily lives. We may be checking-in for a hotel or flight using a self-service terminal, getting answers from a bank through a chatbot, or learning something from an AI system. Our interactions are largely going to be governed by big data and algorithms. Interacting with a human who is physically present in the moment for you, will become a scarce resource reserved for the privileged few.
Imagine a lesson being taught to a small group of 10 students about nature. The lesson takes place in a lush garden with a pond. The teacher points out to a flower, and explains how it will grow into a fruit. Next, the teacher points to the fishes in the pond, explaining how they can breathe in water, and how the tadpoles in the water transforming into frogs. Suddenly, a frog leaps out from a corner and snatches up an insect with its tongue, quickly devouring it. The kids were excited and asked many questions to the teacher. The teacher patiently answers their questions pointing out to examples in the garden.
Now, this lesson is recorded and livestreamed to several classes of students in a school, with a teacher in each class. There are hundreds of students disccussing the various topics taught, posing questions to their teachers. There are real interactions where the students ask questions and discuss their views, and teachers can explain and physically point out to examples in the video from a playback.
This same lesson is uploaded online, benefiting anyone interested in learning. As the lesson was taught by a celebrity, it became a hit online, resulting in millions of views. There are active discussions in various discussion boards and group chats, but there are no teachers. The students will have to find answers on their own through virtual interactions on discussion boards and group chats.
If you are one of the students, which group would you prefer to be in? One that is physically learning in the garden, or one that is learning in a class with a teacher present, or one that is learning by watching the video online and discussing things virtually?
This is just a simple example. The gap between having human connections and digital-only interactions is only going to get wider as technology and machine-learning advances. I am not against digitalisation and automation; It is more about, how much further do we take this route before it turns into a chasm between haves and have-nots. Everything is about striking a balance.