Final answer:
Digitization and convergence have attempted to close the gap between producers and consumers, but the digital divide and knowledge gap persist, creating inequalities based on access to technology and e-readiness in different communities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Over the last twenty years, digitization and convergence have been increasingly used to break down the distance between producers and consumers in various fields, especially media and technology. The digital divide refers to the uneven access to technology among different races, classes, and geographic areas. Digital deserts are particular areas affected by this divide, lacking high-speed internet connections. Meanwhile, as computer prices have dropped, access issues have become less about owning technology and more about having the infrastructure and skills to use it effectively.
Research has shown that while the gap in basic internet use between racial groups and genders has narrowed, the difference in internet engagement still exists, particularly in tasks that require a full computer setup rather than just a smartphone. Additionally, a knowledge gap persists, meaning that those with less access to technology tend to accrue less information and thus fewer skills that are marketable in today's tech-driven economy. This contrasts with students and individuals in affluent areas who tend to gain greater exposure and proficiency in technology, further exacerbating inequalities in e-readiness and technological stratification.