Digital Inequality and the Use of Information Communication Technology

Ever since the inception of the Internet, researchers have been both, enthusiastic and concerned about the social implications of Internet-enabled digitization (DiMaggio, Hargittai, Neuman, & Robinson, 2001).In particular, the issue of unequal access to digital opportunities has garnered substantial research attention and has been termed ‘digital inequality’ (Hargittai & Hinnant, 2008; Hsieh, Rai, & Keil, 2008; Kvasny & Keil, 2006; Riggins & Dewan, 2005). Generally, digital inequality refers to the unequal opportunity and ability of individuals to profit from information communication technologies (ICT) (DiMaggio & Hargittai, 2001). The phenomenon of digital inequality has also been at the heart of public debates because in the light of the ongoing digitization using ICT actively is more and more becoming a prerequisite to fully participate in society. This thesis seeks to expand research on the complex and societally relevant phenomenon of digital inequality. Specifically, I aim to explore the following focal research question: How do individuals use ICTs and which mechanisms and factors influence individual use and non-use of ICTs in the context of digital inequality? Advancing our knowledge in this field is particularly relevant for the following reasons. First, while understanding all stages of digital inequality is essential for both, assessing the true severity of the phenomenon and developing measures to bridge it, a large part of research has so far focused on ICT access and adoption. Yet, if digital inequality eventually translates into inequality in ‘real life’ is determined by whether individuals can use ICTs to their advantage and benefit from digital opportunities. This thesis seeks to address this research gap by shifting the attention to the factors and mechanisms that drive individual differences in ICT appropriation as opposed to ICT access and adoption. Second, digital inequality research still stands to profit from a broader methodological foundation. In fact, most of what we know about digital inequality is based on the quantitative analysis of surveys and statistical data and might limit research in exploring and better understanding the more complex and multi-layered forms of digital inequality as evident in ICT appropriation. This thesis aims at strengthening the methodological foundation of digital inequality research and at generating new and rich insights by adopting so far underrepresented research methods, in particular qualitative and internet-enabled data tracking methodology. Third, digital inequality is an interdisciplinary research field and different insights haven been gained in a diverse range of academic disciplines. In this thesis I also seek to lay a sound theoretical foundation for my own research and the research of others by integrating these otherwise separate perspectives on digital inequality. Fourth, better understanding digital inequality and potential means to bridge it is of high societal relevance. Therefore, this thesis also aims at inferring implications not only for academic research but also for practitioners, in particular public policy makers. The thesis comprises four papers that seek to address the points outlined above.

Level thesis:degree_level

thesis.doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher

Universität Passau

Year

2016

Author dc:creator

• Reinartz, Annika

Contributors dc:contributor

• König, Andreas

Statement dc:rights

• Standardbedingung laut Einverständniserklärung

Repository record source_url

https://opus4.kobv.de/opus4-uni-passau/frontdoor/index/index/docId/365

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:kobv.de-opus4-uni-passau:365