The “digital divide” isn’t a new story, but the stakes have changed. For decades, we’ve watched technology move at breakneck speed, and while we keep hoping it will level the playing field, the gap between the “haves” and “have-nots” is actually getting wider. We’ve spent thirty years studying this, tracking how race, zip code, and income determine who gets ahead. This book is our attempt to look under the hood of that divide and figure out why it’s still happening in a world that’s supposed to be more connected than ever.

The Education Gap
At its core, the digital divide is about fairness. We see this most clearly in our schools. If you grow up in a family that can’t afford high-speed internet or a reliable laptop, you’re starting the race several miles behind.

Today, teachers don’t just “suggest” using the internet; they require it. From turning in assignments to taking standardized tests, everything happens behind a screen. When a student can’t access those tools at home, they aren’t just missing a homework assignment—they’re missing out on the “digital muscle memory” that their peers are developing every day. Things like knowing how to navigate a browser or use professional software aren’t just “computer skills” anymore; they are the basic requirements for getting a job.

More Than Just an Internet Connection
There’s a common myth that technology is a “great equalizer.” We’re told that because work can now be done from anywhere, barriers are disappearing for people with disabilities or stay-at-home parents. That’s a great sentiment, but it’s only true if you have the right gear.

In a world where almost any answer is a five-second search away, not having access to that information is a massive disadvantage. A public library is great, but it can’t compete with the library you carry in your pocket. When we leave people on the wrong side of this divide, we aren’t just cutting off their internet—we’re cutting off their ability to stay informed, stay competitive, and stay connected to the rest of the world.