Digital Divide and its Consequences - Book Report/Review Example

Fairlie (2002) obtains information from the Computer and Internet Use Supplement to the August 2000 Current Population Survey (CPS) to investigate further this matter. The data shows that one-half of Mexican-Americans are less likely to own a computer than are whites. Moreover, one-fourth of Mexican-Americans are less likely to use the Internet at home than are whites. The study continues with summarizing the findings for the African-Americans whose computer rate is 58% of the white rate and the use of Internet at home of the African-Americans is 46% of the white rate.

Farilie (2002) applies the non-linear decomposition technique to conclude that the racial differences in education, income and occupation have a considerable impact on the home computer and Internet use differences. Another possible explanation is the language barrier which influences the lower rates. Crandall (2000) analyses that there is a strong correlation among broadband penetration and high school achievement, job growth and political involvement. Crandall (2000) suggests that for every single percentage point rise in broadband penetration in a state in the U.S. .

In another study conducted by Fairlie (2003) researches the effects of home computers on school enrollment. Approximately 9 out of 10 high school students have home computer and use it to write their class assignments. Exploring this question, Fairlie (2003) makes a comparison of school enrollment rates which demonstrate that more than 95% of teenagers who have home computers are enrolled in schools. In comparison 85% of children who do not owe home computers are enrolled. There is about 7% difference in school enrollment rates.

This evidence provides interpretation that home computer increases the likelihood of children to continue their education. Lazarus, Wainer and Lipper's (2005) project concentrates on the Information and communication technology and how it has secures a foothold in the lived of young adults and children. Their findings showed that the impact of information and communication technology influenced children in four areas. Because of the advanced technological engineering parents, doctors and children can stay in a closer communication, securing an improved heath conditions.

Lazarus, Wainer and Lipper (2005) present an overview of various studies documenting that due to technological advancement students achieve better grates, score higher in standardized tests, school attendance raises. Furthermore, they discovered that young people with developed digital media skills can find more profitable jobs, they are better prepared for senior positions and can easily apply their abilities in finding, applying and obtaining a job. The fourth point that Lazarus, Wainer and Lipper (2005) mention is the community and civic participation.

The youth civic culture generated by the world wide web