The Digital Divide: Roots of Inequality, Branches of Opportunity | Mahi Deshpande | TEDxYouth@AICS

Core Argument - The presentation addresses the digital divide as a significant global inequality, hindering overall societal potential [5][18] - It emphasizes that bridging the digital divide can lead to the reduction of other global inequalities, such as those in education and healthcare [22] Historical Context - Geographic differences in early civilizations led to unequal resource access and innovation, planting the seeds for modern inequalities [8][9] - Colonialism exacerbated these inequalities by stripping resources and power from many countries, setting them back in industrialization and innovation [13] - The Industrial Revolution further widened the gap, with some nations rapidly industrializing while others struggled for survival [11][12] Current State - Digital technology is deeply integrated into daily life, making access crucial for healthcare, education, and other essential services [2][19][20] - Over 26 billion people worldwide lack access to digital technology [22] Call to Action - Individuals can contribute to bridging the digital divide by donating old devices, supporting relevant organizations, and raising awareness [23][24] - Collective effort is needed to ensure equitable growth and access to technology for all [24]