Digital Divides From Access to Activities: Comparing Mobile and Personal Computer Internet Users. (11th July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pearce, Katy E.; Rice, Ronald E.
• Is Part Of: Journal of communication. Volume 63:Number 4(2013:Aug.)
• Page Start: 721
• Page End: 744
• Publication Date: 2013-07-11
• Subjects: Communication -- Periodicals; Communication and traffic -- Periodicals; Information theory -- Periodicals; Mass media -- Periodicals; 302.2
• DOI: 10.1111/jcom.12045
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9916

Abstract

Abstract : Digital inequality can take many forms. Four forms studied here are access to Internet, use of different devices, extent of usage, and engagement in different Internet activities. However, it is not clear whether sociodemographic factors, or devices, are more influential in usage and activities. Results from an unfamiliar context show that there are significant sociodemographic influences on access, device, usage, and activities, and differences in activities by device type and usage. While sociodemographic differences are more influential, device type can increase likelihood of use for some "capital enhancing" activities, but only for a computer. Thus, although mobile Internet is available for those on the wrong side of the digital divide, these users do not engage in many activities, decreasing potential benefits .