Digital Technology Access and Use among Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups in South Australia

Authors

  • Lareen Ann Newman
  • Katherine Biedrzycki
  • Fran Baum

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15353/joci.v6i2.2554

Keywords:

Access, Community Informatics, Social Inclusion, Learning

Abstract

This paper explores digital technology access and use (computers, Internet and mobile phones) among lower income and disadvantaged groups in Australia. It reports focus group research which identified wide differences in frequency and quality of use, and in skills, confidence and trust. It identifies pathways to digital use (or non-use) related to existing socioeconomic inequities which mean that lack of (or limited) digital access or use creates further barriers to improving the underlying determinants of that use. Technological solutions to the digital divide must therefore be accompanied by a broader digital inclusion approach. 

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Published

2010-08-29

Issue

Section

Research Articles