. Some countries lack physical resources, like computers or network connections, making it difficult to keep up with the technology of the world. These same countries or locations lack the digital skills and literacy, being comfortable with technology and understanding how to effectively use it, needed in order to be successful in this connected world. The situation described above is commonly referred to as what?
The device debacle

The technology rut

The digital divide

The great internet shortage

The digital divide

Explanation:

A digital divide is any uneven distribution in the access to, use of, or impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) between any number of distinct groups. These groups may be defined based on social, geographical, or geopolitical criteria, or otherwise.

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance, a US-based nonprofit organization, has found the term "digital divide" to be problematic so instead they use the word "Digital Inclusion".

Digital Inclusion refers to the activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). This includes 5 elements:

1) affordable, robust broadband internet service;

2) internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user;

3) access to digital literacy training;

4) quality technical support;

5) applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation and collaboration

The correct option is C, the digital divide.

Explanation:

The device debacle

This option is wrong. Device debacle refers to a sudden and violent collapse of a device, equipment or technology.

The technology rut

This option is wrong. Technology rut refers to a state where one’s technology is seemingly trapped or stuck in a mundane, non-changing pattern.    

The digital divide

This is the correct answer. Digital divide refers to any gap or uneven distribution in the access to or use of modern information and communication technologies or its impact between any number of distinct groups, demographics or regions. The criteria for defining such groups may be social, geopolitical or geographically based. This technology includes the telephone, television, personal computers and the Internet. A major reason for this gap is poverty and the economic barriers that limit resources and prevent people from obtaining or using newer technologies.

The great internet shortage

This option is equally wrong. The great Internet shortage refers to an Internet outage or Internet blackout like you have electric power shortage.