29/10/2025
Why AI Could Either Bridge or Widen the Greatest Gap in Modern Society
We often discuss AI in terms of innovation and efficiency. But we're ignoring a more urgent question: will AI be a great equalizer or our most divisive force?
The promise is intoxicating—revolutionary healthcare, personalized education, and democratized information. But I can't shake a nagging fear: what about those left behind?
This isn't a hypothetical worry. We saw this with the internet. It promised to connect everyone, but instead created a digital divide. This gap determined who could apply for jobs online, access remote learning, and thrive in the new economy. Those without access were left with obsolete options.
Now, AI is the engine of the next era, and the stakes are higher.
In healthcare: AI can manage health from home. But this excludes the elderly or low-income families without the needed technology or skills, potentially widening health outcome gaps.
In education: AI tutors offer personalized learning. Yet, students in wealthier schools are already three times more likely to use AI for schoolwork than those in disadvantaged schools.
The internet divide was about access. The AI divide is about access, cost, and skills. If we charge ahead blindly, we will create a world of AI "haves" and "have-nots."
But it doesn’t have to be this way. The same technology can bridge these gaps. The real innovation won't be making AI more powerful, but ensuring it is built for everyone.
The train is leaving the station. Our job is to ensure everyone has a seat.
Don't let accessibility be an afterthought. We build AI tools that are powerful, inclusive, and ready for diverse users. If inclusive innovation is your goal, we should talk.
