In today's hyper-connected world, merely having technology isn't enough – it's about mastering it. As artificial intelligence reshapes business, augmented reality transforms education, and digital payments replace cash, a new and more dangerous divide is emerging. This time, the gap isn't between the connected and disconnected, but between those who can harness these digital tools to thrive and those who merely possess them. It's a divide that threatens to leave entire generations behind, even as they hold smartphones in their hands.
Most of the world is faced with this divide, as infrastructure challenges are dwarfed by social ones. Oman perfectly exemplifies this new reality, as a country that has undergone enormous digital transformation to get the nation connected - resulting in a 95.2% internet penetration rate, according to World Bank data. But its rural and ageing population are still being left behind. Despite Oman’s emerging ICT sector, the challenge of connectivity has shifted from hardware distribution and internet access to digital literacy, cultural relevance, and genuine utility.
In a world that shows no sign of slowing down its digital transformation, not being tech-savvy can seem like a death sentence. It could mean a business failing to keep up with consumer expectations or someone being socially excluded. While digital technology is the answer to barrierless connection, it also has the power to alienate.
At its core, digital services are designed to be intuitive to those who are digital natives, but large swathes of the world’s population are not. As a result, you may find a rural farmer who spends hours travelling to the nearest bank, while an urban professional manages all their finances through their phone. A senior citizen struggles to book medical appointments online, while their digitally native grandchildren effortlessly navigate social activities through apps. This is a reality that nations, such as Oman, now face.
Communities hold the key to transcending these barriers. When digital tools align with existing social structures – be they professional networks, neighbourhood groups, or shared interests – adoption follows. Rural farmers connecting through digital platforms access not only financial education, but also weather alerts, crop pricing, and collective bargaining power.
This community-centered approach demands a shift in how we design digital solutions. Rather than creating universal platforms that users must adapt to, technology should mould itself around established human patterns. Banking apps should speak the language of local markets. Healthcare portals should reflect cultural approaches to wellness. Professional networks should mirror the informal connections that drive real business relationships. This is real inclusion.
The next phase of digital evolution will be measured not by processing power or connection speeds, but by how seamlessly technology integrates into everyday life. Success will be being able to video chat, coordinate community activities and manage household admin on one platform. Or find customers, recruit prospective employees and procure materials through the same digital channels.
As we build these bridges across the digital divide, scalability must balance with personalization. Universal access will need to accommodate individual contexts. The technology itself should fade into the background, leaving only stronger, more connected communities in its wake. This vision of digital inclusion extends beyond commercial opportunities or philanthropic missions. It represents a fundamental rethinking of how technology serves humanity. When digital tools amplify existing community bonds instead of replacing them, we move closer to true technological democracy.
The advancement of digital technology is paving the way to a limitless future. One where surgery can be performed remotely, physical and digital interactions become blurred, and everything is customisable. However, true technological advancement ends with a fully connected society, one that is equal and equitable.
Today, digital inclusion no longer means access, but involvement. While Oman’s rural and ageing population are not native users of digital technologies, they stand to benefit the most. Democratising technology so they become involved will not just be the answer to Oman’s ICT ambitions, but it will also promote broader economic growth. However, this path forward requires collaboration between technology creators, community leaders, and users themselves. Together, they can forge digital solutions that don't just cross the divide – they eliminate it entirely.
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