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A Multivariate Study of Internet Use and the Digital Divide

Author

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  • C. Serrano‐Cinca
  • J. F. Muñoz‐Soro
  • I. Brusca

Abstract

Objective This article explores the use of Internet, including social networks, e‐government services, and e‐commerce, from the perspective of the digital divide. First, it aims to find out what factors explain the digital divide. Second, the article aims to identify the groups that are digitally excluded. Method The article is based on survey data (N = 2,304) collected in Spain, which are analyzed using multiple regression, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis. Results Two dimensions are identified: the first is the comprehensive use of Internet and the second is the nature of this use, differentiating between a professional use and a recreational and social use of Internet. The article verifies that factors explaining the digital divide are age, education level, and income. Conclusions The article identifies digitally excluded segments, and the efforts and actions for digital training to eradicate the digital divide should be directed at these groups. The most serious problem is encountered in homeworkers who are mainly woman. NEETs (not in education, employment, or training) are frequent users of Internet, but they only use it for entertainment and to certain extent they are digitally excluded.

Suggested Citation

  • C. Serrano‐Cinca & J. F. Muñoz‐Soro & I. Brusca, 2018. "A Multivariate Study of Internet Use and the Digital Divide," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 99(4), pages 1409-1425, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:99:y:2018:i:4:p:1409-1425
    DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.12504
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    Cited by:

    1. Mr. Micah Asuke & Isaiah Ouma, 2023. "Attitude, Perception, Challenges and Satisfaction of Baraton University Students and Lecturers Towards the Use of E-Learning," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 7(5), pages 434-450, May.
    2. Lopez-Sintas, Jordi & Lamberti, Giuseppe & Sukphan, Jakkapong, 2020. "The social structuring of the digital gap in a developing country. The impact of computer and internet access opportunities on internet use in Thailand," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 63(C).
    3. Kumari Vibhuti Nayak & Shamsher Alam, 2022. "The digital divide, gender and education: challenges for tribal youth in rural Jharkhand during Covid-19," DECISION: Official Journal of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, Springer;Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, vol. 49(2), pages 223-237, June.
    4. Puneet Vatsa & Junpeng Li & Phong Quoc Luu & Julio Cesar Botero‐R, 2023. "Internet use and consumption diversity: Evidence from rural China," Review of Development Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(3), pages 1287-1308, August.
    5. Park, Sehoon & Chun, Dongphil, 2024. "Comparative analysis of third-level digital divide among Korean older adults: Capital-based approach," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 204(C).

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