What Does the Digital Divide Look Like at Christmas?
The impact of the digital divide that exists in Aotearoa can become even more evident at Christmastime, and it goes beyond a lack of laptops under the tree.
All socio-economic disparities can be amplified during the festive season, with the emphasis on buying gifts and preparing extravagant spreads. Digital inequity can be both a symptom and a cause of poverty, and limited access to the internet has additional implications for Christmas celebrations.
Digital Inequity at Christmas
Here are a few of the ways that the digital divide might show up in your community at Christmas time:
Poverty and a lack of access to the digital world often go hand in hand. Whānau often feel the gap most keenly in December when it’s expected to buy gifts, eat, drink, and be merry. There is no one way to celebrate Christmas or any other holiday, but there is often pressure to participate in the traditions and festivities: presents, large spreads of kai, travel.
In today’s world, being unable to shop online can make Christmas much more expensive and more difficult, particularly for those who are time poor. Over the holiday season, many services also close down or reduce their hours, increasing reliance on online access which may move support even further out of reach.
Post-Christmas, the gap is often widened further—some whānau can afford to gift laptops, phones, and other devices, while others can’t and enter the new year without the latest (or any) tech.
Beyond religion and consumerism, one thing that most people can agree on is that the festive season is all about connectivity. It’s about being with our loved ones. And if unable to be together in person, we turn to technology to connect us. The internet is also often used to arrange gatherings and send out invites. Those without devices or WiFi may have a lot more trouble connecting.
Making a Difference This Festive Season
There are ways that you can contribute to closing the digital divide and making Aotearoa more equitable now and in the future. Donating to a gift drive is fantastic, but helping to solve systemic issues that contribute to poverty and a wealth gap? Even better!
Donate Devices
If you’ve got old laptops, less than a decade old with a charger, we’d love to take these off your hands! Make room for your Christmas gifts,get rid of your e-waste ethically, and help Recycle A Device to empower tomorrow’s digital innovators and get devices into the hands of those who need them. It’s simple—you can arrange it here.
Volunteer Your Time
We’re always on the lookout for volunteers to help us run Code Clubs and RAD clubs! Our kaimahai do amazing work across Aotearoa, and we’re always on the lookout for more. No special skills required.
Donate Money
Through our various initiatives, we at Digital Future Aotearoa work hard to bridge the digital divide. The impact of our work is clear. Our staff and volunteers go above and beyond, and any monetary donation towards our operating costs is very welcome. You can donate with a simple online transaction here.
