Explaining the digital divide in the European Union

Most theoretical and empirical explanations of the generation of digital divides have been integrated into the resources and appropriation theory, which proposes a sequential model reflecting a socially unequally distributed digital divide. The unequal social distribution is reflected in internet us...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Lamberti, Giuseppe|||0000-0002-8666-796X, López Sintas, Jordi|||0000-0001-5441-4039, Sukphan, Jakkapong
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2023
País:España
Institución:Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Repositorio:Dipòsit Digital de Documents de la UAB
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:ddd.uab.cat:287953
Acceso en línea:https://ddd.uab.cat/record/287953
https://dx.doi.org/urn:doi:10.1080/02681102.2023.2202640
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Trust
Information security concerns
Digital divide
PLS-SEM
Digital skills
Internet use
Descripción
Sumario:Most theoretical and empirical explanations of the generation of digital divides have been integrated into the resources and appropriation theory, which proposes a sequential model reflecting a socially unequally distributed digital divide. The unequal social distribution is reflected in internet use that is sequentially influenced by motivations/attitudes, physical access, and digital skills. We extend the sequential model by exploring the complementary role of information security concerns in producing the digital divide. Using a predictive approach, we tested a comprehensive partial least squares-structural equation model with data from a European Union survey, finding that information security concern is another significant determiner of the digital divide. Heterogeneity in social internet appropriation can be summarized in social mechanisms explained by education and age among well-educated Europeans, and by country digital development among less well-educated Europeans. We conclude with a discussion of theoretical and policy implications of our findings.