Final answer:
The question pertains to the ongoing issue of the digital divide, where access to the Internet and technology varies by socioeconomic status, race, and geography. Despite the decrease in prices for low-end computers, disparities in Internet access continue, especially with smartphones being the primary access point among certain minority groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
Access to the Internet is increasingly becoming a significant factor in defining the economic and social landscape. Early in the millennium, poorer communities had little or no technology access, in stark contrast to affluent areas with personal computers and wired classrooms. While the cost of low-end computers has dropped, enabling broader access, the digital divide persists, influenced by race, class, and age. Notably, minority groups such as Latinos and African Americans are more likely to use smartphones for Internet access, which may restrict the types of tasks they can perform, such as job applications. This indicates that the digital divide extends to the type of Internet access, influencing the potential for empowerment. Since Vice President Al Gore's highlighting of the digital divide in 1996, the conversation has evolved, presenting a complex picture of Internet access disparities.