Has technology led to a more equitable society? My answer is no, although after today’s debate, I see the issue as much more complex than when I first voted. At the initial vote, I thought only of access to devices and connectivity. By the end of the debate, I was thinking more about the divides in our society beyond technology and asking myself whether technology can bridge the gaps in those areas. While I do believe that technology certainly has the potential to create awareness and even begin to close some of the gaps regarding race, culture, gender, and socioeconomic differences, technology itself comes with its own predetermined set of behavioural expectations and trending language, which creates different gaps for the people who use it. 
The readings for the agree side of this debate advocate for equal access to technology and the utilization of technology to address issues of accessibility and learning differences for students. While the readings describe several hurdles that need to be overcome before we reach a point of equal access to technology, they have an optimistic take on the future perspectives of technology and where it can take us in creating an equitable society. I enjoy dreaming about a future like this, where everyone can access devices and bandwidth equally. I think we could achieve amazing things if we minimize digital differences in our communities!
More realistically, this utopian view of the future is still many years in the making and will require a shift in a significant number of policies around how resources are distributed and accessed worldwide. After this debate, the disagreeing side’s points from Shaping Youth Discourse About Technology and how tech companies continue to push White colonial perspectives as the desired norm have resonated with me. The digital divide mirrors racial, cultural, gender and socioeconomic divides in our society. It’s not surprising to learn that digital have-not groups in Canada include Indigenous communities that also do not have clean drinking water. Before we can fix the digital divide, we have many other societal problems to address.
Technology can play a huge role in helping minority voices gain traction and create action. Movements such as Me Too and Black Lives Matter have leveraged technology and social media to bring international awareness to the issues and gather support to call for change. Personally, I have enjoyed seeing Indigenous creators share their culture and ways of knowing on social media. When I come across a TikTok or Facebook Reel of an Indigenous person talking about their culture, I am filled with a range of emotions. I’m always thrilled to see their content and love to see it being shared on popular platforms. Still, then I think about the history of effort that went into silencing their culture and remember that these short snippets shouldn’t be a novel experience.
@tiamiscihk & that’s just the tip of the iceberg! INSPO: @santeesiouxx @meekis.xo ❤️ #indigenous #genocide #history #fyp #foryou #nativetiktok #native #canada #us
Technology has undoubtedly created new outlets for minoritized groups to share their voices and be heard in mainstream social media. This has made it possible for our society to become more aware of cultural, racial, and gender differences. With this awareness, it is possible we may begin to bridge some of the divides in our society. So, perhaps technology is a tool that can help us move forward and create a more equitable society, but we sure have a long way to go.
I follow that same Indigenous creator as well. These are two of my personal favourites at the moment: https://www.youtube.com/@mariajoseguerrazepeda4927 and https://www.youtube.com/@brettstoise2674. Brettstoise is a funny guy who talks a lot about stereotypes. I also agree that tech needs to be use to help clear that pathway to equity. But first, the people making the tech need to change.
Hi Amy!
This was a great look at the debate. One thing that stuck to me at the end of the debate was the conversation about what we consider as technology. Even though that idea didn’t change my mind on my vote because my biggest argument, even before the debate, was the access to technology and the lack of technology that exists for some people. It is a great topic to think about for sure.
That’s a really great point, Amy! I was definitely thinking very narrow mind-idly during the debate in regards to technology and equity. You’re right that, in many ways, technology can create a platform for marginalized or diverse groups of people to have their voices heard and, in turn, promoting an equitable society and learning environment. Great post!
Hi Amy,
Great post! I too agree with your point that technology undoubtedly brings many changes around us. However, when it comes to accessibility, it is lacking. Various groups of people do not have the right access or gadgets to reap the benefits of technology. You mentioned your interest in reels, which I really appreciate, as I also love exploring reels and from that I remember one case : that in some countries, instead of buying books or paying school fees, students prioritize upgrading their gadgets to stay trendy on social media. That is a sad reality.
A great post Amy! I agree that equity is something we need to reach when it comes to technology and this divide seems to be ever widening. Your acknowledgment of how social media influenced the Black Lives Matter movement offered a new perspective on this problem. Being an Indigenous educator myself, equitable technology is something that I aspire for in my community.
Thought-provoking piece! You’ve highlighted the complications of technology in creating an equitable society, which goes beyond simply having access to devices. Your thoughts on the impact of social movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter, magnified by technology, were profound. Thank you for providing such insight!
Your post offers a nuanced perspective on the digital divide, emphasizing that it’s about more than just access to technology. The main takeaway for me is the recognition of how technology can both bridge and create new divides within society, especially regarding race, culture, gender, and socioeconomic status. In light of the complexities surrounding the digital divide, what strategies can most effectively ensure that technology acts as a bridge rather than a barrier for marginalized communities?