Acquiring familiarity with computers depends not only on individual attributes, but crucially also on contextual factors. People come into contact with digital technologies via their family and friendship networks as well as at their workplaces, colleges and schools. Informal advice and support are crucial to acquiring basic computing skills, and where neighbours and friends use computers and internet, this can facilitate the learning process. One of the strengths of the present research is its ability to shed light on the ways in which individual attributes interact with the social context to influence the utilisation of digital technologies. We present the results of a series of multilevel models that explain the determinants of familiarity with digital technologies, confidence in computers and competence in their use. There is a high degree of consistency in the results of our statistical models, although different facets of the digital divide also have their own specificities. The key individual-level variables that influence computer awareness, confidence and competence are having a third-level education, belonging to a younger or older age group, being in a low or high social class category, household income and the number of friends and neighbours who are able to provide help and advice in relation to computers and internet. Other variables, including financial difficulties, the degree of satisfaction with one’s neighbourhood of residence, being unemployed, engaged in home duties or a full-time student and the amount of support provided by other family members also have an influence on various aspects of the digital divide.

Digital Divide: Analysis of the Uptake of Information Technology in the Dublin Region

PRATSCHKE, Jonathan
2003-01-01

Abstract

Acquiring familiarity with computers depends not only on individual attributes, but crucially also on contextual factors. People come into contact with digital technologies via their family and friendship networks as well as at their workplaces, colleges and schools. Informal advice and support are crucial to acquiring basic computing skills, and where neighbours and friends use computers and internet, this can facilitate the learning process. One of the strengths of the present research is its ability to shed light on the ways in which individual attributes interact with the social context to influence the utilisation of digital technologies. We present the results of a series of multilevel models that explain the determinants of familiarity with digital technologies, confidence in computers and competence in their use. There is a high degree of consistency in the results of our statistical models, although different facets of the digital divide also have their own specificities. The key individual-level variables that influence computer awareness, confidence and competence are having a third-level education, belonging to a younger or older age group, being in a low or high social class category, household income and the number of friends and neighbours who are able to provide help and advice in relation to computers and internet. Other variables, including financial difficulties, the degree of satisfaction with one’s neighbourhood of residence, being unemployed, engaged in home duties or a full-time student and the amount of support provided by other family members also have an influence on various aspects of the digital divide.
2003
0954566130
File in questo prodotto:
Non ci sono file associati a questo prodotto.

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11386/1188842
 Attenzione

Attenzione! I dati visualizzati non sono stati sottoposti a validazione da parte dell'ateneo

Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus ND
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? ND
social impact