This report builds on earlier research on the digital divide.1 This research analyzed Internet access, content practices and needs of Canadians, with particular emphasis on those not connected to the Internet. Two main non-user groups were identified. “Nearusers” desired access but faced affordability and literacy barriers. “Far-users”, a second group consisted of those individuals express little interest in connectivity over the immediate term. The factors identified as most important in affecting access were cost/affordability, literacy, and lack of need. At the same time, research also revealed that other variables affected the complexity of the access issue, such as value of content, employment status/type, age, and gender. The study found preliminary signs that access was leveling off for upper middle and upper income households, but that some growth, albeit slow, continued with the lower income households. Beyond technological literacy2, analysis discussed the importance of social information and the diversity of information, and the ability (social literacy) for people to access and use this information in their lives as important factors for access. Subsequent research on Internet access through to 1999-2000 showed that while there had been growth in home access for all socio-economic groups, a digital divide still persisted and levels of access had indeed plateaued. However, there were indications of moderate growth in access for upper and middle-income groups, with less likelihood of significant change for lower income households. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that type of job, gender, geographical region, income, literacy, and lack of perceived need or interest in access were the main obstacles to access. Analysis also demonstrated how there are many other factors in addition to technology that are important to understanding access and the value or importance of the Internet. These other factors include: social literacy and capacity, the role of community organizations in access and training (community divides), and diversity of information. 1 The Dual Digital
Divide (2000); Rethinking the Dual Digital
Divide (2001). |
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