The Digital DivideContrary to optimistic visions of a free internet for all, the problem of the ‘digital divide’ – the disparity between those with access to internet technology and those without – has persisted for close to twenty-five years. In this textbook, Jan van Dijk considers the state of digital inequality and what we can do to tackle it. Through an accessible framework based on empirical research, he explores the motivations and challenges of seeking access and the development of requisite digital skills. He addresses key questions such as: Does digital inequality reduce or reinforce existing, traditional inequalities? Does it create new, previously unknown social inequalities? While digital inequality affects all aspects of society and the problem is here to stay, Van Dijk outlines policies we can put in place to mitigate it. The Digital Divide is required reading for students and scholars of media, communication, sociology, and related disciplines, as well as for policymakers. |
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access to digital applications augmented reality basic benefits bridge the digital broadband cent chapter computer and Internet concepts content-related skills Deursen developing countries devices digital divide research digital inequality digital literacy digital media digital skills digital technology Dijk disabled divides in digital domains economic European Facebook figure framework frequent gender gratifications hardware Hargittai Helsper higher education important income individuals information and communication information society infrastructure innovation intelligence Internet access Internet connection Internet of Things Internet users level of education lifestyle Media & Society medium-related skills motivation and attitude needs negative outcomes network society non-users NTIA outcomes of digital particular personal categories perspective Pew Research Center physical access population Positional categories positive outcomes problem Reisdorf skills and usage smartphone social and cultural social class social inequality social media social network strategy surveys technical characteristics Telecommunications theory traditional media