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Breaking Barriers: Examining the Impact of AI on Rural Communities
Could the real resistance come from a lack of trust and a changing lifestyle?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way we live and work. It’s not hard to imagine the possibilities it brings to urban and suburban areas. But what about its impact on rural communities?
AI has the ability to create opportunities for rural communities that were once thought impossible. We can see this in agriculture and healthcare where AI is already being implemented with promising results.
But with any new technology comes concerns, such as job displacement and access to resources. These concerns are significant challenges to the acceptance of AI use in rural communities.
But they are not the only barriers.
Lack of trust in policymakers and the threat to their lifestyle also contribute to the resistance of AI adoption.
It’s important to examine and understand the impact of AI on rural communities if we want to ensure that its benefits are accessible to all.
The digital divide in rural communities
The main challenge facing rural communities is the digital divide.
Many rural areas have limited access to high-speed internet, which can hinder the implementation of AI technologies.
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), 14.5 million Americans living in rural areas lack access to broadband internet. This lack of access can make it challenging for rural communities to adopt new technologies, including AI.
The digital divide creates disparities in education and economic opportunities. Students in rural areas may not have the same access to online resources and educational opportunities as their urban counterparts, which doesn’t just limit their career prospects.
