Digital capital and online activities: An empirical analysis of the second level of digital divide

Ruiu, Maria and Ragnedda, Massimo (2020) Digital capital and online activities: An empirical analysis of the second level of digital divide. First Monday, 25 (7). ISSN 1396-0466

Preview

Text Digital capital and online activities_ An empirical analysis of the second level of digital divide _ First Monday.pdf - Published Version Download (450kB) | Preview

Abstract

This paper explores inequalities in using the Internet by investigating several digital activities that require different levels of digital capital. Data collected in the U.K. through an online survey of a national representative sample (868 respondents) shows that levels of digital capital and type and quality of online activities are intertwined. The analysis shows that digital capital, conceived and measured as a specific capital, is entangled with the frequency/intensity of social, economic/financial means, ordinary/daily entertainment, and political activities, but not with learning-related activities. This work contributes to the literature in both empirical and theoretical terms by testing the reliability of digital capital and expanding its use to investigate digital inequalities. From a policy-making point of view, the awareness of citizens’ level of digital capital may help tailor initiatives to support citizens in using ICTs on a wide array of fields, such as job seeking, sociability, savings, familial relationships, and several online activities. Finally, this paper highlights that digital inequalities cannot be tackled by considering access and competence separately. By contrast, the adoption of measures that synthesise the two dimensions might help simplify policy-making’s initiatives to tackle digital inequalities.

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads