Given recent advancements in artificial intelligence and the expectations for its near future, it’s worth asking whether AI can serve as an ally for leveraging technology—or if it will exacerbate the digital divide, one of the most pressing issues preventing universal access to life-enhancing technological developments. How can AI help reduce the digital divide? What will be needed to ensure this gap narrows rather than widens? 

AI and digital education: a utopian vision?

 While it is not the sole solution to the digital divide, education is a fundamental pillar in ensuring the gap does not become a real obstacle. Training and building skills, resources, and technological competencies—even at a basic level—lay the foundation for a comprehensive and inclusive technological culture. 

AI has the potential to democratize educational advancements, both in the realm of technology and beyond. For example, AI-driven tutoring systems can adapt educational content to meet the individual needs of students, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. 

These tools can enable individuals in rural or low-income areas to access high-quality courses and learning resources. Additionally, AI-powered applications such as educational chatbots can answer questions in real time, while automatic translation systems break down language barriers, extending the reach of digital education to communities that do not speak predominant technology languages. 

Connected communities through intelligent infrastructure

Neither digital education nor any other future technology-driven initiative—no matter how ambitious or well-intentioned—will succeed without the right ecosystem. Revolutionary paradigms cannot flourish without the necessary conditions for their implementation. This includes adequate connectivity for AI to reach its potential, connection speeds capable of handling large data volumes, robust cybersecurity measures, and more. 

Fortunately, AI can assist in optimizing telecommunications networks, identifying areas with the greatest connectivity needs, and allocating resources efficiently. Technologies like edge computing and automation can make networks more resilient and accessible, even in resource-constrained regions—a longstanding challenge in addressing the digital divide. 

AI, employment, and equal opportunities

 Amid discussions about AI as an ally or adversary, another topic dominating public debate is its impact on the labor market. Will AI take our jobs? On the contrary, it will help democratize employment and create more opportunities for everyone. 

AI can be a powerful tool for identifying labor market gaps and offering training in high-demand skills. How? Through AI-based platforms that analyze employment trends and recommend tailored courses or training programs. Additionally, the development of intelligent infrastructures and inclusive technological solutions is set to generate numerous jobs in emerging fields like engineering, programming, and project management—fields that are currently nascent or yet to be conceived. This not only drives economic growth but also helps reduce inequality. 

Ethics in focus: the digital divide isn’t just about access

 None of the above should distract from the challenges AI may present in its integration into technology and daily life. Will AI introduce biases when educating minors? Can it select candidates for job recruitment processes without prejudice? Will it be accessible only to well-resourced individuals or communities? Should it be treated as a strategic asset requiring government oversight? What legal frameworks will apply? Who will regulate it? 

As these critical questions demonstrate, there are significant “loose ends” that still need to be addressed. However, the global reach of AI—both literally and figuratively—could help narrow one of the biggest challenges in technology: the digital divide. It might even allow us to dream of a future where the gap disappears altogether.