There is a debate about the impact of internet in reducing or aggravating the existing inequality between the rich and the poor. On the one hand some consider that it will enlarge the gap between the haves and the have nots, while others argue the opposite. In my opinion, internet helps to diminish the gap between the rich and the poor if it is made affordable along with providing adequate skills to the poor to leverage the internet for their benefit.
Some people argue that internet increases the gap between the rich and the poor due to the internet being expensive and the poor being undereducated. For instance, data charges across the world are costly making it beyond the reach of the economically weaker section. This limits the opportunities that can be leveraged by them for their economic advancement. Also, most of the poor people remain unaware about potential of using internet for their economic prosperity. Although these are the concerns, they can be tackled by making cost of the data affordable and an aggressive awareness campaign by government.
On the other hand, it is believed by some that internet acts as a tool to reduce the economic inequalities. This is because internet opens up a number of possibilities. Firstly, with the help of internet it is possible to acquire skills by watching educational content on platforms like YouTube, coursera and use these skills to improve ones earning potential. Secondly, using internet one can launch innovative businesses that otherwise required significant capital which the poor lack primarily. Therefore, with ability to acquire new skills and also launch commercial activities, internet provides a level playing field.
In conclusion, while people may vary in opinion, I think internet helps to diminish the gap between the rich and the poor.