Having, knowing, and doing go hand in hand. Denied the opportunity to assimilate the new media in their youth, they will, instead, have to adapt to it. They will be on the wrong end of the generation lap - lapped by those of their own generation. Moreover, their employment prospects in a knowledge economy, their potential income levels, their prospects for stable families, and their potential for a fulfilling life will all be greatly diminished. This is a downward spiral.
Poverty causes digital impoverishment, which in turn contributes to continued povertization.
Such statements reflect a growing belief in Social Darwinism. The economic view that competitive markets are required for economic growth and success is extended to an ideology regarding society and governance. In this ideology there is no such thing as the public interest. It is said that governments should get out of the business of social policy and helping disadvantaged people or groups and instead be defenders of individual rights. It was argued at the time that within the human species, nations are locked in a struggle for survival in which civilized nations were supplanting barbarous nations.