Millions of Americans Don’t Have Internet Access

The vast majority of my two kids’ homework assignments must be handed in electronically. The required format for most classes is an online word processing program that my kids’ 2009 Mac Mini cannot access because their system is suddenly obsolete. There was also a required online homework program or two that was not accessible by a Mac, only a PC. So they stay after school at the media center, which is often crowded with kids that have no computer at all at home. The public library is even more crowded.

Now imagine that your family cannot afford to buy an up-to-date computer. They also cannot afford to have a landline or cable installed, much less pay for the required services to access the internet. Maybe you don’t even have a permanent address. Those waiting lines to do homework are an every day thing, if you have a parent who can take you to the library. If not, you’re out of luck.

Older folks, who have enough trouble learning to use computers, now have to have internet access to get IRS forms, sign up for unemployment, get Social Security information, and so many other government services. But library budgets keep being cut, so they cannot expand their computer services, much less upgrade the obsolete equipment they have. Something’s gotta give sometime. (via Metafilter)