Globalization is the ongoing spread of information through social, cultural and economic outlets that are essential to a functioning society. This movement looks past physical boundaries and probes into the cultural realm. In the more progressive connotation, globalization is “the opening up of new lines of communication between different groups, and constructing new spaces for the building of mutuality, without suggesting that the world is shrinking into a single, harmonious village.” [1] Fueled by funds as well as the immediate need for a message to gain a receiver, the process has been simplified considering the substantial role of technology and the media. This accessibility through wires and wires of worldwide connection via Internet, news and text has gradually made “the literate public … more and more reliant on the process of mass communication” [2] However, there is an issue regarding the concentration of the world’s on-line community resulting in the increase of information poverty – the lack of cyber resources in more disadvantaged regions. In our society, lacking this access is a deprivation on its own, stunting the growth of the poorer countries and areas, especially in academic situations. “Many fear that despite its capacity for development, without adequate action by government, nonprofits, and the corporate sector, the global information infrastructure will widen the north-south divide.” [3] Even with the promise of smarter technological advancements, there is a downfall in the utilization of such developments without it reaching to the far ends of the globe.
[1]Curran, James & Myung-Jin Park. De-Westernizing Media Studies. London, New York: Routledge, 2000. Print. p. 7.
[2] Hardt, Hanno. Myths for the Masses: An Essay on Mass Communication. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub., 2004. Print. p. 10.
[3] Norris, Pippa. "Information Poverty and the Wired World." The Harvard International Journal of Press/Politics, 2000. Print. p. 6.
I agree with comment on the fact that without the actions produced by governments the information divide will only increase, but with what you said Funds have been one of the main reasons for the development of simplification of the communication process. Do you believe that it is the responsibility of governments such as the United States to help provide those funds to the rest of the "developing" world. Since it is clear that because these countries are unable to sustain the economies to improve technologically where the gap of information will decrease.
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