1
Exclusion in Digital Spaces
Alexis Bernard Department of Psychology, Norfolk State University PSY-540-90 Dr. Scott Debb, Ed.D., LPC May 29, 2022
2 In efforts for marginalized and underrepresented communities to minimize challenges in any given digital environment, online users actively engage to correct and address widespread social issues that may diminish user experiences. Inequality can take many forms including false symbols of diversity, which can stem from a lack of comprehension or understanding. Essentially, “digital humanities emerges structurally out of marginalized communities” (Long & Baker, 2019) Additionally, a lack of support and help can limit how users interact with other digital groups and communities. Through various challenges, underrepresented and marginalized groups have made active efforts to engage with dominant social groups to establish common goals and share interests as well as information. “The high risk and rising cost of digital exclusion make a lack of Internet access more disadvantageous today than a decade ago. Furthermore, lower levels of engagement with online resources among those who are online are more consequential than a few years ago.” (Horrigan, 2011) There are effective ways individuals have reached out to communicate and given others the opportunities to diversify digital spaces in order to be more inclusive. The connectedness of these digital communities can help minimize negative feelings, and give underrepresented individuals opportunities to take actionable steps to assure supportive online experiences. “At the most fundamental level, digital technology depends on the availability of electricity. In many conflict-affected societies, the electricity grid is patchy (especially in rural areas) and the supply is unreliable or subject to regular and lengthy power cuts.” (Hirblinger, 2020) Overall, whether dealing with the authority of dominant groups or the lack of resources in digital spaces, the appearance of diversity efforts can be demoralizing and harmful. Since “digital humanities emerges structurally out of marginalized communities” (Long & Baker, 2019) it is
3 crucial for organizations and leaders in digital spaces to reach out and communicate, especially during difficult moments. “Allies use their privilege, status, and resources to challenge how things are currently being done in their respective organizations. They listen to marginalized groups without dismissing them, and while they can’t completely grasp or understand everything that an underrepresented/marginalized person or group may be going through, they do their best to advocate on their behalf and without the expectation of recognition.” (Tedrick, 2020, p. 228) There are underlying opportunities that take various forms to limit the lack of support and assure that those who belong to dominant social groups with status and capital can assist others. “Platforms should develop with civil society a technology-neutral industry/civil society code of conduct focused on practices, not conduct” (Kornbluh et al., 2020) By valuing other online users, those who may share the same feelings can generally have access to resources that may be an important part of one’s overall digital experience. “Online social capital can be important, even for teenagers, as they hear about schools and find employment and internships, and can earn real money on social network sites with product endorsement and ad monetization.” (Aiken, 2017, p. 181) By being aware of the goals online users have, there are numerous reasons why individuals may be helpful or supportive, or reluctant to share with others. Although “it is particularly challenging for policymakers to implement workable solutions to digital exclusion” (Bach et al., 2013) meaningful and consistent efforts that encourage change have been catalysts for reform and revised practices in online communities. Various areas of digital communication present opportunities that minimize “otherness” and promote the sharing of interests and common goals.
4 References Aiken, M. (2017). Cyber effect. (p. 181). John Murray Publishers Lt. Amy Bach, Gwen Shaffer, & Todd Wolfson. (2013). Digital Human Capital: Developing a Framework for Understanding the Economic Impact of Digital Exclusion in Low-Income Communities. Journal of Information Policy, 3(3), 247. https://doi.org/10.5325/ jinfopoli.3.2013.0247 Hirblinger, A. T. (2020). Conclusion: Toward Effective Digital Inclusion. JSTOR. http:// www.jstor.org/stable/resrep26644.9 Horrigan, J. B. (2011). What are the Consequences of Being Disconnected in a BroadbandConnected World? Daedalus, 140(4), 17–31. http://www.jstor.org/stable/23046911 Kornbluh, K., Goodman, E. P., & Weiner, E. (2020). Safeguarding Digital Democracy: Digital Innovation and Democracy Initiative Roadmap. JSTOR. http://www.jstor.org/stable/ resrep24545 Long, S., & Baker, J. (2019). The Elusive Digital / Critical Synthesis. Debates in the Digital Humanities 2019, 195–199. https://doi.org/10.5749/j.ctvg251hk.20 Tedrick, S. (2020). Women of color in tech : a blueprint for inspiring and mentoring the next generation of technology innovators (p. 228). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.