an article by Nicole S Goedhart and Jacqueline EW Broerse (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands), Rolinka Kattouw (Oostwest, The Netherlands) and Christine Dedding (Amsterdam UMC, The Netherlands) published in New Media & Society Volume 21 Issue 11-2 (November 2019)
Abstract
The introduction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been shown to play a role in reinforcing existing social inequalities.
This study aims to gain insights into the perspectives, experiences and needs of disadvantaged groups with respect to ICT. In the Netherlands, a relatively large and important group of non-users are mothers with a low socio-economic position (SEP). Little attention has been paid to understanding why mothers with a low SEP scarcely use ICTs.
In an explorative participatory study in Amsterdam, using observations, interviews and focus groups, our results show that reinforcing factors related to poverty, motherhood, the complexity of ICT and being first-generation immigrant influence access.
The mothers’ needs are multifaceted and go beyond the simple distribution of ICT devices. ICT education should be tailored and integrated into existing social services and the daily lives of the mothers. Moreover, policymakers should pay attention to adapting the online information services to the mothers’ strengths.
Full text (PDF 19pp)
Showing posts with label digital_inequality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label digital_inequality. Show all posts
Tuesday, 12 November 2019
Thursday, 26 September 2019
Internet use in the home: Digital inequality from a domestication perspective
an article by Anique J Scheerder, Alexander JAM van Deursen and Jan AGM van Dijk (University of Twente, The Netherlands) published in New Media & Society Volume 21 Issue 10 (October 2019)
Abstract
This study uses a domestication approach to digital inequality. The aim is to uncover whether and why less-educated families benefit less from Internet use than highly educated families.
The predominantly quantitative approach of digital divide research provides little explanation as to why digital inequalities exist.
Interviews were conducted with the heads of 48 Dutch families.
The results showed that Internet use and routines in the home are shaped differently for families with different educational backgrounds.
In all four phases of domestication, the highly educated demonstrated a critical view toward the Internet, resulting in considered use and redefinition.
Less-educated members tended to be less interested in Internet developments and overall have a less reflective stance. Inequalities between different social strata already arise in the early stages of domestication and are magnified in the subsequent phases.
Full text (PDF 20pp)
Abstract
This study uses a domestication approach to digital inequality. The aim is to uncover whether and why less-educated families benefit less from Internet use than highly educated families.
The predominantly quantitative approach of digital divide research provides little explanation as to why digital inequalities exist.
Interviews were conducted with the heads of 48 Dutch families.
The results showed that Internet use and routines in the home are shaped differently for families with different educational backgrounds.
In all four phases of domestication, the highly educated demonstrated a critical view toward the Internet, resulting in considered use and redefinition.
Less-educated members tended to be less interested in Internet developments and overall have a less reflective stance. Inequalities between different social strata already arise in the early stages of domestication and are magnified in the subsequent phases.
Full text (PDF 20pp)
Thursday, 20 June 2019
Inequalities in the social use of the Internet of things: A capital and skills perspective
an article by Alex van dIssue 6 (June 2019)er Zeeuw, Alexander JAM van Deursen and Giedo Jansen (University of Twente, The Netherlands) published in New Media & Society Volume 21 (June 2019)
Abstract
In this article, we set out to explain different types of social uses of the Internet of Things (IoT) using forms of capital and Internet skills.
We argue that the IoT platform entices different manners of social communication that are easily overlooked when focusing on the novelty of smart “things.”
How people use the IoT socially is crucial in trying to understand how people create, maintain, or absolve social relations in a networked society. We find inversed effects for social capital, income and education on private use, and on sharing IoT data with a partner. Sharing with acquaintances and strangers is predicted by cultural activities.
Sharing IoT data with acquaintances can especially be attributed to social relations that escape the immediate household. We conclude that varying figurations of capital and Internet skills predict how the IoT is used socially.
Abstract
In this article, we set out to explain different types of social uses of the Internet of Things (IoT) using forms of capital and Internet skills.
We argue that the IoT platform entices different manners of social communication that are easily overlooked when focusing on the novelty of smart “things.”
How people use the IoT socially is crucial in trying to understand how people create, maintain, or absolve social relations in a networked society. We find inversed effects for social capital, income and education on private use, and on sharing IoT data with a partner. Sharing with acquaintances and strangers is predicted by cultural activities.
Sharing IoT data with acquaintances can especially be attributed to social relations that escape the immediate household. We conclude that varying figurations of capital and Internet skills predict how the IoT is used socially.
Tuesday, 12 March 2019
Equal access to online information? Google’s suicide-prevention disparities may amplify a global digital divide
an article by Sebastian Scherr (University of Leuven, Belgium) and Mario Haim and Florian Arendt (University of Munich (LMU), Germany) published in New Media & Society Volume 21 Issue 3 (March 2019)
Abstract
Worldwide, people profit from equally accessible online health information via search engines. Therefore, equal access to health information is a global imperative.
We studied one specific scenario, in which Google functions as a gatekeeper when people seek suicide-related information using both helpful and harmful suicide-related search terms.
To help prevent suicides, Google implemented a “suicide-prevention result” (SPR) at the very top of such search results. While this effort deserves credit, the present investigation compiled evidence that the SPR is not equally displayed to all users.
Using a virtual agent-based testing methodology, a set of 3 studies in 11 countries found that the presentation of the SPR varies depending on where people search for suicide-related information.
Language is a key factor explaining these differences. Google’s algorithms thereby contribute to a global digital divide in online health-information access with possibly lethal consequences. Higher and globally balanced display frequencies are desirable.
Abstract
Worldwide, people profit from equally accessible online health information via search engines. Therefore, equal access to health information is a global imperative.
We studied one specific scenario, in which Google functions as a gatekeeper when people seek suicide-related information using both helpful and harmful suicide-related search terms.
To help prevent suicides, Google implemented a “suicide-prevention result” (SPR) at the very top of such search results. While this effort deserves credit, the present investigation compiled evidence that the SPR is not equally displayed to all users.
Using a virtual agent-based testing methodology, a set of 3 studies in 11 countries found that the presentation of the SPR varies depending on where people search for suicide-related information.
Language is a key factor explaining these differences. Google’s algorithms thereby contribute to a global digital divide in online health-information access with possibly lethal consequences. Higher and globally balanced display frequencies are desirable.
Wednesday, 21 November 2018
A review of Internet use among older adults
an article by Amanda Hunsaker and Eszter Hargittai (University of Zurich, Switzerland) published in New Media & Society Volume 20 Issue 10 (October 2018)
Abstract
As the world population ages and older adults comprise a growing proportion of current and potential Internet users, understanding the state of Internet use among older adults as well as the ways their use has evolved may clarify how best to support digital media use within this population.
This article synthesizes the quantitative literature on Internet use among older adults, including trends in access, skills, and types of use, while exploring social inequalities in relation to each domain.
We also review work on the relationship between health and Internet use, particularly relevant for older adults.
We close with specific recommendations for future work, including a call for studies better representing the diversity of older adulthood and greater standardization of question design.
Abstract
As the world population ages and older adults comprise a growing proportion of current and potential Internet users, understanding the state of Internet use among older adults as well as the ways their use has evolved may clarify how best to support digital media use within this population.
This article synthesizes the quantitative literature on Internet use among older adults, including trends in access, skills, and types of use, while exploring social inequalities in relation to each domain.
We also review work on the relationship between health and Internet use, particularly relevant for older adults.
We close with specific recommendations for future work, including a call for studies better representing the diversity of older adulthood and greater standardization of question design.
Saturday, 5 May 2018
The identity curation game: digital inequality, identity work, and emotion management
an article by Laura Robinson (Santa Clara University, USA) published in Information, Communication & Society Volume 21 Issue 5 (May 2018)
Abstract
The research examines an understudied facet of digital inequality: how digital inequality impacts identity work and emotion management.
The analysis reveals how unequal access to digital resources shapes how well youths are able to play what I call the identity curation game.
Digital resources determine youths’ ability to succeed in this game that is governed by three implicit rules:
This article draws on Symbolic Interactionism and pays particular attention to Hochschild’s theory of emotion management.
Drawing on these frameworks, the findings reveal how under-resourced youths experience connectivity gaps that disrupt their ability to play the identity curation game, as well as the resulting emotional consequences. Under-resourced youths manage distinctive negative emotions arising from connectivity gaps that hinder their digital identity work, as well as engaging in distinct kinds of suppressive work to police their own emotions including longing, envy, shame, frustration, and stigmatization.
In making these linkages, the research reveals the cascading effects of digital inequality among youths where constant connectivity is the sine qua non of social inclusion.
Abstract
The research examines an understudied facet of digital inequality: how digital inequality impacts identity work and emotion management.
The analysis reveals how unequal access to digital resources shapes how well youths are able to play what I call the identity curation game.
Digital resources determine youths’ ability to succeed in this game that is governed by three implicit rules:
- constantly update or be sidelined,
- engage in constant reciprocated identity-affirming interactions, and
- maintain a strategy of vigilance to remove traces of failed identity performances.
This article draws on Symbolic Interactionism and pays particular attention to Hochschild’s theory of emotion management.
Drawing on these frameworks, the findings reveal how under-resourced youths experience connectivity gaps that disrupt their ability to play the identity curation game, as well as the resulting emotional consequences. Under-resourced youths manage distinctive negative emotions arising from connectivity gaps that hinder their digital identity work, as well as engaging in distinct kinds of suppressive work to police their own emotions including longing, envy, shame, frustration, and stigmatization.
In making these linkages, the research reveals the cascading effects of digital inequality among youths where constant connectivity is the sine qua non of social inclusion.
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
Number Matters: The Multimodality of Internet Use as an Indicator of the Digital Inequalities
an article by Lu Wei (College of Media and International Culture Zhejiang University) published in Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication Volume 17 Issue 3 (April 2012)
Abstract
This study explores the multi-modality of internet use as a critical indicator of digital inequalities. Rather than relying on traditional measures of user/non-user and information/entertainment uses, this study focuses on a broad scope of online activities and investigates them collectively.
Results show that the more modes of internet activities people are engaged in, the more advanced uses they will add to their online behaviours.
Female, older, poorer, and less educated only use the internet for very limited basic applications, which are associated with fewer political communication and participation. While previous research concludes that the type of internet activities matters, this study suggests that it is the number of types that matters in examining potential inequalities and their social consequences.
Abstract
This study explores the multi-modality of internet use as a critical indicator of digital inequalities. Rather than relying on traditional measures of user/non-user and information/entertainment uses, this study focuses on a broad scope of online activities and investigates them collectively.
Results show that the more modes of internet activities people are engaged in, the more advanced uses they will add to their online behaviours.
Female, older, poorer, and less educated only use the internet for very limited basic applications, which are associated with fewer political communication and participation. While previous research concludes that the type of internet activities matters, this study suggests that it is the number of types that matters in examining potential inequalities and their social consequences.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
