How computers will change the world (if the electricity stays on)

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Just finished doing a lot of reading on the so-called 'digital divide' for uni.  Pages and pages on how access to the internet has the potential to transform people's lives.  And how we need to break down the barriers that are preventing people getting involved.

But two weeks ago my parents (who live in India) had no electricity for four days.  So no computers, no mobile phones, no internet, email etc.  

The whole time I've been doing this assignment I've been thinking "But what about the millions of people who have no electricity or can't afford to pay for electricity, how is giving them a computer going to help?"  

Oh well, at least the academics are still getting published. 


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