6 out of 10 Latinos in California can’t read VivirLatino, or any other blog because they do not have internet access. A recent statewide survey conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California indicates that the digital divide is growing and is based on ethnicity, demographics and income.

Latinos and low-income residents are less likely to use computers and surf the Web than non-Hispanic whites and African Americans, according to the report.

The study, to be released today, found that 40 percent of Latinos have Internet access, and less than half own computers, compared with 86 percent of whites, 84 percent of Asians and 79 percent of African Americans.

In an era when more and more news and information is being sent online, this lack of access becomes more important an issue, especially for communities already marginalized by the media. This is especially important for independent media makers, like ourselves, to take into account and why it is important to share information across a variety of mediums to insure equal access to information and information sharing.

But not all the news coming out of the report is bad news.

The study also found that while in the past eight years, computer usage has declined among Latinos, the majority use cell phones to send and receive text messages and access the Internet, signaling that mobile devices – which cost less than a computer and Internet connection – could help bridge the digital divide.

So we are finding ways to get around a capitalistic system that leaves many behind.

Via / San Francisco Gate