Opinion: Digital divide in the age of AI

The digital gap creates a self-perpetuating pattern of underrepresentation in technology fields, blocking economic freedom and social mobility.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:55pm

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The article discusses how the digital divide is creating systemic barriers for low-income families, particularly in the age of AI, and preventing them from accessing economic opportunities and social advancement. The author shares her personal experiences and the work of her nonprofit organization, Make Great Plays, which aims to bridge this divide through digital literacy programs and empowering underrepresented communities in Los Angeles.

Why it matters

The digital divide is widening the gap between the rich and the poor, as the rapid advancement of technology and AI is leaving many behind. This poses significant challenges for those without the skills to adapt and participate in the economic growth driven by these technological changes.

The details

The article cites statistics showing that 63% of families earning less than $30,000 annually did not have broadband internet access at home, and that workers with limited digital skills earn significantly lower wages. The author founded the nonprofit organization Make Great Plays in 2022 to address these systemic barriers and promote digital literacy and technology education in low-income communities in Los Angeles. The organization's programs have seen a 70% increase in parents' confidence in navigating technology and sparked interest in technology higher education for their children.

  • The Pew Research Center documented the digital access gap in 2020.
  • The author founded Make Great Plays in March 2022.
  • In March 2024, the author surveyed over 500 parents at an annual conference for six Title 1 schools within the Conejo Valley School District.

The players

Madeline Ng

The author of the article and the founder of the nonprofit organization Make Great Plays, which aims to bridge the digital divide in Los Angeles.

Make Great Plays

A nonprofit organization founded by the author in 2022 to address the digital divide and promote digital literacy and technology education in low-income communities in Los Angeles.

Alejandro Vasquez

A Latino software engineer who has shared his experiences with the Make Great Plays program to inspire the next generation of tech pioneers.

Juan Zaragoza

A devoted father of four who, after a serious injury, struggled with his gardening business and his family's financial stability. He has gained digital skills through the Make Great Plays program, which has helped him manage his business and sparked his interest in technology, higher education, and careers for his children.

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What they’re saying

“The digital gap creates a self-perpetuating pattern of underrepresentation in technology fields, which blocks people from achieving economic freedom, social mobility, and advancement.”

— Madeline Ng (latimes.com)

“Juan Zaragoza's story underscores the power of digital literacy. When an accident left this devoted father of four seriously injured, his gardening business and family struggled. He fell behind on payments, and his kids stopped attending school. A community coordinator's support helped him collect payments and retain his business. Now, Juan is gaining skills through Make Great Plays, managing spreadsheets, documents, and email. He's now curious about technology, higher education and careers for his kids.”

— Madeline Ng (latimes.com)

What’s next

Local governments, schools, organizations, and private sector companies must work together on increasing awareness, providing direction on career pathways, and subsidizing education for students in underrepresented communities to enter into technology and AI-related studies.

The takeaway

Bridging the digital divide and promoting digital literacy is crucial in the age of AI, as it can empower underrepresented communities, impact economic growth, and build a more equitable society. The author's work with Make Great Plays demonstrates the positive impact that can be achieved through community-driven initiatives, but a collective effort involving various stakeholders is needed to address this issue at scale.