The impact of digital forms of communication on social inequalities – A Level Sociology OCR Revision

Understanding Digital Forms of Communication and Social Inequalities

Digital forms of communication refer to any message passed through digital channels, such as social media, emails, apps, search engines, and websites.
Social inequality is the existence of unequal opportunities and rewards for different social positions or statuses within a group or society.

Impact on Economic Inequalities

The trend towards online trading has significantly amplified economic disparities, as wealth becomes increasingly concentrated among those who have access and proficiency in using digital technologies.
While digital platforms have provided new opportunities for businesses and individuals to prosper, a growing digital divide prevents disadvantaged communities from benefiting equally.

Effect on Social Connectivity

The proliferation of social media platforms has led to a new form of segregation, with people increasingly socialising within their homogeneous digital networks, thereby exasperating social inequalities.
Research suggests that people who are already socially disadvantaged are less likely to have a diverse circle of friends on social platforms, leaving them isolated and less likely to gain benefits from social networking.

Influence on Educational Disparities

The shift towards online learning platforms has further deepened the educational divide between the haves and the have-nots. A lack of access to the internet or appropriate technologies hinders the educational progress of disadvantaged students.
Digital literacy is becoming an increasingly necessary skill. Without it, an individual’s ability to find work and participate socially can be severely hindered, leading to more pronounced social inequalities.

Political Implications and Digital Divide

In political terms, there exists a digital divide where socio-economic status can influence a person’s access to political information and opportunities for political participation.
This can result in a gap in political awareness and civic participation among different groups - a divide that can further reinforce existing social inequalities.

Mitigations and Counter-Measures

Numerous initiatives have been introduced to combat these digital social inequalities, such as free or subsidised internet access and public digital literacy programmes.
However, these are often undermined by larger structural issues such as poverty, lack of education, and socio-economic status, demonstrating the multidimensional and entrenched nature of social inequalities.

In conclusion, digital forms of communication have an intricate relationship with social inequalities that requires careful examination and address by both policy makers and individuals.