Entrevista Manuel Castells: internet e inclusão social

Summary

In Brazil, the majority of people have internet access through smartphones, even in poorer communities, making it a vital tool for younger generations. However, traditional internet usage statistics are outdated, as many people now connect via mobile devices rather than home connections. The real digital divide lies not in access, but in the ability to use the internet effectively, which is largely determined by education. The primary issue is Brazil's educational system, which limits people's ability to harness the full potential of the internet, hindering their ability to apply knowledge and progress.

Takeaways

• 😀 The majority of Brazilians have access to the internet, though not necessarily at home. They often access it through schools, cybercafés, or smartphones.
• 😀 A large portion of Brazilians under 30, even those in poverty, have smartphones, which are crucial for their daily lives.
• 😀 Global statistics show that 50% of the adult population worldwide owns a smartphone, and by 2020, it is projected to reach 80%.
• 😀 In Brazil, it is estimated that at least 50% of the adult population owns a smartphone, with some estimates suggesting it could be even higher.
• 😀 A smartphone is by definition a means of accessing the internet, making the traditional statistics of home internet access outdated.
• 😀 Most people now access the internet through their smartphones, workplaces, or while out in public, rather than from home.
• 😀 The digital divide is largely an age issue, with people under 40 having widespread internet access. Over three-quarters of people in Brazil and other countries under 40 use the internet.
• 😀 The increasing global access to the internet is largely age-driven, and once older generations phase out, internet access will likely be universal.
• 😀 The real challenge is not internet access but the ability to use it effectively, which is largely influenced by education and cultural factors.
• 😀 The true digital divide now lies in the inequality of education and culture, with many people lacking the skills to use information for practical and social benefits.
• 😀 The educational system in Brazil is failing to equip people with the necessary skills to utilize the internet effectively, which limits the potential of the population.
• 😀 A well-educated population with access to the internet can advance and use the internet for meaningful purposes, whereas a population with poor education may misuse it.

Q & A

What percentage of Brazilians have access to the internet?

The majority of Brazilians have access to the internet, though not everyone has it installed at home. Many people access the internet through schools, cybercafés, or smartphones.

Do most young Brazilians own smartphones?

Yes, the majority of Brazilians under 30 own a smartphone, even those from poorer backgrounds, because owning a smartphone is considered essential for their daily lives.

What is the global projection for smartphone ownership by 2020?

The global projection indicates that 80% of the adult population worldwide is expected to own a smartphone by 2020.

How does smartphone ownership relate to internet access in Brazil?

In Brazil, owning a smartphone is equivalent to having access to the internet, as smartphones are considered 'smart' devices that require internet connectivity to function fully.

Why are traditional internet usage statistics outdated?

Traditional statistics only account for home internet usage, while in reality, most people access the internet through smartphones, at work, or on the street, not just at home.

What is the main factor contributing to the digital divide?

The digital divide today is mostly a generational issue, with younger people under 40 having much greater access to the internet. This is not a problem of access but of education and cultural capacity to use the internet effectively.

What percentage of people in Brazil have internet access?

In Brazil, over three-quarters of people under 40 have access to the internet, highlighting a widespread distribution of internet usage.

What will happen when the current generation ages regarding internet access?

As the current generation of people who are not digitally connected disappears, internet access will become universal, primarily because younger generations are already digitally native.

What is the most significant issue related to internet use in Brazil today?

The most significant issue is the educational and cultural gap. While access to the internet is widespread, the ability to effectively use and apply internet knowledge is hindered by a lack of adequate education.

What is the role of education in Brazil’s digital future?

A well-educated population will be able to use the internet productively for personal and societal development, while a lack of education leads to the misuse of the internet, making it ineffective for progress.