Eric Cohen

The “digital divide” refers to social inequalities many argue stem from unequal access to technological advances. In the following viewpoint, Eric Cohen, managing editor of the consumer advocacy journal Public Interest, contends that the alleged digital divide is the latest manifestation of the age- old civil rights argument against the exclusion of certain groups of people from society. Cohen and others argue that statistics belie the civil rights argument and that poverty and crime are more pressing threats to society than technology.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to the author, why have civil rights and antipoverty activists targeted companies"

2. How did the Commerce study exaggerate the gap between the “haves and have-nots,” according to the author"

3. What does the author contend is the key factor separating technology users from...