25th March 2012, 02:25 PM
However, I'd say that "use it or be excluded" is just a matter of fact --
Therin lies the problem. Why should some people be excluded when they have no choice and many have no choice. Make Internet access free for all and then may be there is an argument. A computer or other device costs money as does the services provided. Personally I would say make it free and give every body a device and the required education and then it is truely a matter of choice. Until then we are in danger of excluding large numbers of people. Books libraries etc are more freely available though perhaps less accessed through personal choice. The Internet is easy so is perceived as being universally available.
Therin lies the problem. Why should some people be excluded when they have no choice and many have no choice. Make Internet access free for all and then may be there is an argument. A computer or other device costs money as does the services provided. Personally I would say make it free and give every body a device and the required education and then it is truely a matter of choice. Until then we are in danger of excluding large numbers of people. Books libraries etc are more freely available though perhaps less accessed through personal choice. The Internet is easy so is perceived as being universally available.