Growing Digital Divide at Work

The term, Digital Divide, is used to describe the gap between people who have access to digital technology and those who do not including devices such as smartphones and computers, and the access to Internet. While it is a worldwide concern as it impacts people's productivity as well as their well-being, I've been noticing a different type of digital divide, the knowledge and skills with digital devices and tools. One may have the access to Internet and devices, but the lack of skillsets to use new technologies such as AI tools are separating them from other people at school and work. 

Perhaps, the gap in this case is not limited to digital-related skill sets. In any subject at school or skills at work, people have been observing the gap among people for a long time. In the rapidly advancing digital industry, the gap seems bigger and harder to catch up. 

The question is how schools and corporations plan to narrow the gap. Big corporations can provide training for employees, but small businesses won't be able to do the same. Often, the business owners are the ones who need to learn new skills. It means that it is becoming harder for small businesses to thrive in online business. This with Google's organic search results algorithm changes (seems to be) keeping small businesses out, and Google Ads cost increasing, I'm afraid that it will only get more difficult. 

According to eMarketer, Social Media and Digital Video are two of the biggest media types with the potential for innovation and opportunity in the next 12 months based on a survey among US digital media professionals. Will this create a bigger gap or help smaller businesses in 2024?