How could AI impact Australia’s digital divide?

With the rapid advancement in technology over the last decade, we have seen Australia’s digital divide widen in some areas. According to Good Things Foundation Australia, 1 in 4 people are digitally excluded in Australia, and 46% of people have seen their ability to get online impacted by rising costs of living.

These figures may seem astounding to some of us, but digital exclusion is a reality for many Australians today. From financial barriers to geographical ones, access to technology is not a level playing field.

Digital access is part of every area of our lives today, from the ability to secure employment and housing to connecting with loved ones or keeping up with the latest news. Addressing digital exclusion will undoubtedly have a positive impact on individuals, communities and the broader economy.?

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the role of AI – will it bridge or widen the gap? For me, there are both opportunities and risks, and it will come down to how we harness the technology for social good.

Here are a few areas where I see huge potential.

Enhanced accessibility and personalised experiences

AI can increase independence and inclusion for many communities that can face additional obstacles to access, including people with disability, those with low vision or hearing impairment, and those in culturally and linguistically diverse communities where a language barrier exists.?

We’re seeing tools like voice recognition, speech-to-text, screen readers, visual aids and real-time translation evolve rapidly, becoming more accurate and affordable. In fact, today, many of these tools can be accessed free or come as standard with existing devices.?

In addition, AI has the potential to create personalised experiences for individuals based on their preferences and needs, an essential step in bridging the divide.

Adaptive education could improve outcomes

AI can play a pivotal role in access to education. By harnessing AI-driven platforms, learning can be tailored and adapted to an individual learner’s pace and style of learning in real time. This can be particularly transformative for people with additional learning barriers. Tailoring can also extend to the presentation of materials, with font sizes and specific typefaces based on learner needs, such as dyslexic-friendly typefaces. This may seem small, but it can make a massive difference for some in our community.

But risks still abound.?First and foremost is access to devices.

Technology access and affordability remain a hurdle

Realising these benefits is contingent on device access and reliable internet. Unfortunately, this is not a reality for all Australians. Those in rural or remote areas or those facing cost-of-living pressures might find themselves further alienated by technology designed to help.

We see it in our schools today. Even in the public system, laptops and internet access can be pivotal to study, homework, classroom activities and extracurricular activities.

This leaves those whose families can’t afford it at a distinct disadvantage. Not only are they unable to complete schoolwork today, but they are also not advancing their digital literacy at the same rate as their peers. This, combined, has enormous potential to widen the gap for the next generation to enter the workforce.?

Increasing complexity may lock some out

People struggling with digital literacy may be left behind as the pace accelerates. Digital literacy programs are fantastic for those needing to build job readiness; however, with the rapid pace of change in the AI space, it’s critical that these are reviewed regularly and kept up to speed.

Job displacement is an ever-present risk

When it comes to job displacement and AI, there is often a conversation about ‘jobs lost and jobs gained’, but many of the losses will be in lower-wage jobs. People working in these jobs may already face financial challenges, and securing new employment isn’t always straightforward. Time without an income can quickly cause housing instability, and the flow-on effects are numerous. In fact, one study in the US found that when low-wage workers lose their jobs, they are more likely to face consistent income decline in the years that follow.

So, how do we move forward?

AI can be a force for good in addressing Australia’s digital divide, but it will take some consideration.

Infrastructure investment, particularly for our regional and remote areas, is key, as is education. It would be great to see even more community programs that build digital literacy, like Tech Savvy Seniors and Skills for Education and Employment.

In addition, policy will play a significant role. Governments worldwide are challenged with building AI policies and frameworks in an ever-evolving landscape. I hope Australia’s policies can harness the value of a ‘fair go’ and ensure digital inclusion is considered in the response.

To sum up my view, AI has significant potential to transform how we learn and interact with information, making digital literacy more attainable for all Australians. However, without careful consideration and proactive measures, the same technology could widen the gaps it seeks to close.

AI is an evolving space, and for those of us in the education, training and community sectors, it’s one we’ll be watching keenly.