Conclusion

This book aims to explore the intricate relationship between spatial inequalities, political discontent, and the potential role of the Internet in including inhabitants of politically marginalized areas. Focusing on Chile’s Valparaíso region, we provide a theoretical and methodological framework to understand the anger, frustration, and sense of abandonment experienced by citizens. Our study highlights that discontent is not solely a result of deprivation and poverty but also of poor relationships with public services and persistent marginalization, leading to violence and further isolation. We employed a survey dataset and structural equation models to analyze these phenomena, considering both territorial context and temporal dimension. Despite significant contributions, our work faces limitations such as the generalization of external efficacy measures and the cross-sectional nature of our data. Future research should address these gaps by exploring more specific relationships with various administrative levels and employing longitudinal data. The discussion emphasizes the cyclical nature of abandonment and its consequences in Chile, where social unrest led to the destruction of infrastructure in marginalized areas. The role of the Internet in addressing these issues is complex, requiring attention to digital inequities and challenges like misinformation and polarization. Our findings underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to integrating marginalized communities into the political process.