The internet's emphasis on English significantly impacts the development of educational resources in other languages. English-centric resources receive more attention, funding, and development, often leading to a disparity in the quality and quantity of educational materials available in other languages. This imbalance can hinder the educational development of non-English speaking populations, as they may have limited access to high-quality resources in their native languages. Additionally, the focus on English can drive educational institutions in non-English speaking regions to prioritise English-language education, potentially at the expense of their own linguistic and cultural education. This situation can lead to a devaluation of local languages and knowledge systems, further exacerbating the linguistic divide in education. Consequently, while the predominance of English on the internet offers numerous educational opportunities, it also creates challenges in maintaining linguistic diversity and equality in education.

Machine translation, while bridging language barriers, can impact the authenticity of cultural knowledge shared online. When cultural concepts, idioms, or nuanced expressions are translated, they often lose their original context and meaning. This loss can lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations of the cultural knowledge being conveyed. For instance, certain phrases or ideas may have no direct equivalent in another language, making it challenging for translation software to accurately convey the intended meaning. Furthermore, the subtleties of language, such as tone and connotation, which are crucial in expressing cultural nuances, are frequently lost in translation. This can result in a homogenised version of cultural knowledge that lacks depth and fails to capture the complexities of the original culture. Therefore, while machine translation facilitates wider access to information, it also poses a risk to the authenticity and integrity of cultural knowledge in the digital space.

The digital divide, the gap between those with and without access to digital technology and the internet, has significant consequences for global knowledge equity. In regions with limited access to technology, individuals and communities are often excluded from the vast pool of knowledge available online. This lack of access hinders educational and professional development, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. Moreover, the digital divide affects the representation of diverse perspectives in global knowledge databases. As most online content is generated by technologically advanced regions, the voices and knowledge of less digitally connected populations are underrepresented. This imbalance leads to a skewed global perspective, where the experiences and knowledge of a significant portion of the world's population are marginalised. Therefore, the digital divide not only impacts individual access to information but also influences the diversity and inclusivity of global knowledge.

Technology can play a crucial role in preserving linguistic diversity and promoting access to knowledge in less common languages. Digital platforms can serve as repositories for endangered languages, offering tools for learning and documentation. For instance, apps and websites dedicated to language preservation can facilitate the recording and sharing of lesser-known languages, ensuring their survival and accessibility for future generations. Additionally, technology can enable the creation of educational resources in a variety of languages, catering to diverse linguistic communities. Online dictionaries, translation tools, and language learning apps can also promote multilingualism and cultural exchange. Moreover, technology can support the digitisation of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage in native languages, preserving this valuable information for posterity. Through these means, technology not only aids in the protection of linguistic diversity but also enhances access to knowledge across different languages and cultures.

The dominance of English on the internet has had a profound influence on non-English cultural expressions and knowledge. While it facilitates a global platform for cultural exchange, it often leads to a homogenisation of cultural content, overshadowing diverse cultural perspectives and languages. Non-English cultural groups may feel compelled to adapt their content to English to reach a wider audience, which can dilute the authenticity and richness of their cultural expressions. Additionally, significant cultural knowledge and traditions that are not translated into English risk being underrepresented or lost in the digital realm. This linguistic dominance can also impact the way non-English speaking cultures perceive and interact with global issues, as their access to diverse viewpoints and information is often filtered through an English-centric lens. Thus, while English as a lingua franca on the internet unites different cultures, it also poses a risk of cultural erosion and reduced diversity in knowledge representation.