The Invisible Divide: Why Bridging the Digital Divide Begins with the Mind, Not the Metrics

Watching people who participate in Marylanders Online—a statewide digital equity initiative that offers a broad range of educational resources aimed at strengthening community capacity, providing free courses on digital and AI literacy for all—often reminds me of a concept I return to again and again: tech readiness (also called digital readiness). The term refers to an individual’s propensity to embrace technology to accomplish goals in both personal and professional contexts, as well as their preparedness to adapt to ongoing technological change. But the term goes far beyond mere technical capacity. It entails a comprehensive form of readiness––one that also involves cognitive (e.g., Am I able to understand how this technology fits into what I already know?), motivational (e.g., Am I willing enough to try this technology, even if I might fail or feel unsure?), and socioemotional aspects (e.g., Am I comfortable connecting and learning with others in digital spaces?), all of which shape how individuals navigate and integrate technology into their lives while adapting to the ever-evolving digital transformation.

[Dr. Yeweon Kim is a postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Trustworthy AI at Seoul National University and a Benton Opportunity Fund Fellow. Her research explores the societal impacts of information and communication technologies at individual and community levels, with a focus on digital empowerment, equity, and ethics.]