Social Inequality in Access to XR (Extended Reality) Technology highlights the disparities in availability, affordability, and usability of immersive technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) across different socio-economic groups.
Key Issues:
- Economic Barriers: High costs of XR hardware and software limit access for low-income individuals and communities.
- Digital Divide: Lack of internet connectivity or technological infrastructure in rural or underserved areas hampers XR adoption.
- Educational Disparities: Limited access to XR in schools can widen educational gaps, affecting learning opportunities for disadvantaged students.
- Cultural and Linguistic Barriers: XR content may not be inclusive of diverse languages and cultural contexts, restricting accessibility.
- Disability Accessibility: XR experiences often overlook the needs of people with disabilities, creating barriers to participation.
- Workforce Inequality: Disparities in XR training and job opportunities can reinforce social and economic inequalities.
- Global Inequities: Developing countries may face greater challenges in accessing XR technologies compared to developed nations.