Are We All Online Content Creators Now? Web 2.0 and Digital Divides. Issue 3 (1st April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brake, David R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of computer-mediated communication. Volume 19:Issue 3(2014:Apr.)
• Page Start: 591
• Page End: 609
• Publication Date: 2014-04-01
• Subjects: Prosumer -- produser -- digital divide -- participation divide -- convergence culture -- digital literacy -- creativity -- web 2.0 -- Wikipedia -- self expression -- citizen journalism; Telematics -- Periodicals; Computer networks -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Communication -- Periodicals; 302.20285
• DOI: 10.1111/jcc4.12042
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1083-6101

Abstract

Abstract: Despite considerable interest in online content creation there has been comparatively little academic analysis of the distribution of such practices, both globally and among social groups within countries. Drawing on theoretical frameworks used in digital divide studies, I outline differences in motivation, access, skills, and usage that appear to underlie and perpetuate differences in online content creation practices between social groups. This paper brings together existing studies and new analyses of existing survey datasets. Together they suggest online content creators tend to be from relatively privileged groups and the content of online services based on their contributions may be biased towards what is most interesting or relevant to them. Some implications of these findings for policymakers and researchers are considered.