Over at Health Populi, they are reporting on a recent Pew research poll that details that individuals with chronic illnesses are significantly less likely to have internet access (62%) than those with no chronic health conditions (81%). Yet, when those with chronic illnesses are able to go online, they often are able to find new information as well as connect with a network of individuals that suffers from the same illness and can support and share information with one another. The impact that the internet can have on those suffering from a chronic illness is too significant to allow such a gap in access to persist. Efforts need to be taken to diminish the current digital divide.
The significance of this survey is to underscore the fact that a call to diminish the digital divide is not a call to ensure that everyone has access to the same entertainment channels or is able to maintain a Facebook profile or a twitter account. But rather, it is a call to ensure that individuals are able to access people and information that can help them maintain their very life in this world.
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