California imigrant children are missing the technology train:
"Many recent immigrants do not have access to computers in their homes, leaving them at a social and economic disadvantage, according to a recent study conducted by the University of California at Santa Cruz. Researchers say 70 percent of native-born Americans had computer access at home in 2003, compared with 56 percent of those living in immigrant households, a wider gap than existed in 1997, according to the report.While nearly 13 percent of the U.S. population is foreign born and 23 percent of those aged 5 to 25 are the children of immigrants, "In California, more than half of the young people are immigrants or the children of immigrants," said the study's author Rebecca London. "If they are unable to fully participate in the new information and communications system, opportunities will pass them by and current disadvantages will be translated into long-term second-tier status," London said.
Differences in education and income were the two largest factors contributing to the different rates of computer ownership. However, researchers also found the lack of desire to own a computer to be an important factor."
Interesting thought... where do we get the motivation to own a computer? In light of recent news regarding instant messaging and growing risks of scams, viruses, and online predators...I could see why someone might be a little less than excited about buying a ticket for a family on the computer revolution train.