Technology
seems to promise infinite benefits for mankind. While it could be argued that the development of new
technology
always expands the
gap
between rich and poor, it is
also
true that the level of
technology
used in developing countries and low-income countries has been quicker than the developed countries over the
last
few years and
this
has helped to bridge the
gap
between the rich and the poor. So, both views have some ground, which I shall be discussing in
this
essay.
There are many reasons why people say that
technology
increases the
gap
between rich and poor.
To begin
with, new
technology
itself tends to be affordable by only the richer elements of society and the poorer elements are denied the opportunities that
this
provides,
such
as the
ability
to be able to train for better paid work. It is understandable that because of their
ability
to acquire new
technology
, the learning
ability
within the richer elements of society is much improved.
Therefore
, they get better job placements and continue to grow
further
.
What is more, with the power that wealth and knowledge brings, richer segments are more able to exert influence over the direction of society, usually to their own benefit. The poorer segment does not have
this
ability
, and
therefore
their demands and needs tend to be driven lower down the list of political priorities.
On the other hand
, there are reasons to hold the opposite view. While it is true that the initial level of
technology
in lower-income countries was much lower
to begin
with, there is strong evidence of catch-up between middle-income and high-income countries. Technological progress increased 40% to 60% faster in developing countries than in rich countries. Use of some new technologies,
such
as mobile phones, has risen quickly.
Technology
has created huge opportunities for the poor where none existed previously.
For example
, some technologies
such
as communications or networking give poor people a chance to earn a better living. It is not uncommon for some people who used to live in poverty becoming millionaires or billionaires by taking advantage of the internet.
This
has definitely led to narrowing the
gap
between the rich and the poor.
To put it in a nutshell, I pen down, saying that
technology
can do both – widen the
gap
between the rich and poor as well as narrow the
gap
if the poor get access to it.
Therefore
, it is not the
technology
to blame for the
gap
; it is the access to
technology
which is to blame. So, we should see to it that everyone gets equal access to
technology
.