The digital disconnect -
Helsper
Class Media technology & society
Assumption of unescapable trajectory towards uptake of networked tech +
inevitable positive outcomes
→ problematic idea
→ overlook how digital inequalities link to historical social inequalities
💡 Socio-digital inequalities = systemic differences in ability &
opportunity for people to beneficially use ICTs while avoiding
negative outcomes
→ this definition critiques simplistic notion that frequent use = digital inclusion
Socio-digital inequalities ipv digital divide
→ about inequalities of outcomes in digital society, not solely digital
connection/engagement
Confusion about the causes & consequences of this inequality
→ reflects split between techno-deterministic & socio-constructivist
paradigms
Helpser develop corresponding fields model
→ considers digital & social as part of a continuous cycle of mutual
influence
→ chicken & egg dilemma for what comes first?(social or tech change)
Way ICTs are designed, acquired & used = embedded in existing power
structures & dynamics
→ privilege the advantaged
Belief that ICT-based intervention through policy & practice can break
cycle of reinforcement
First need to understand theoretical history of digital inequalities
The digital disconnect - Helsper 1
, What are digital inequalities?
Digital inequalities debate
→ moved from digital divides to gradations of exclusion in skills, motivation,
engagement & participation levels
Access & infrastructure inequalities (first-level divides)
People who do & don’t have access to computers and internet
Material access (Van Dijk, 2020)
→ high cost putting services & connectivity out of reach for some
→ macro level = poor digital infrastructure in lower-income neighbourhoods
Emphasis on wealth & income as most important aspect of inequalities
→ resonate with traditional inequalities literature
Closer look
Material aspect & access = difficult to define
→ evolved as the internet & ICTs have advanced
Need to go beyond (non-)use of devices & platforms
→ what do people actually do with them?
Skills & use inequalities (second-level divides)
Differences still exist when access is fairly equal
→ access is not solution to digital inequalities (White, 2016)
→ prompted a broadening of scope
Outcome inequalities (third-level divides)
Implicit assumption that increased uptake of ICTs automatically lead to
universally positive outcomes
The digital disconnect - Helsper 2
Helsper
Class Media technology & society
Assumption of unescapable trajectory towards uptake of networked tech +
inevitable positive outcomes
→ problematic idea
→ overlook how digital inequalities link to historical social inequalities
💡 Socio-digital inequalities = systemic differences in ability &
opportunity for people to beneficially use ICTs while avoiding
negative outcomes
→ this definition critiques simplistic notion that frequent use = digital inclusion
Socio-digital inequalities ipv digital divide
→ about inequalities of outcomes in digital society, not solely digital
connection/engagement
Confusion about the causes & consequences of this inequality
→ reflects split between techno-deterministic & socio-constructivist
paradigms
Helpser develop corresponding fields model
→ considers digital & social as part of a continuous cycle of mutual
influence
→ chicken & egg dilemma for what comes first?(social or tech change)
Way ICTs are designed, acquired & used = embedded in existing power
structures & dynamics
→ privilege the advantaged
Belief that ICT-based intervention through policy & practice can break
cycle of reinforcement
First need to understand theoretical history of digital inequalities
The digital disconnect - Helsper 1
, What are digital inequalities?
Digital inequalities debate
→ moved from digital divides to gradations of exclusion in skills, motivation,
engagement & participation levels
Access & infrastructure inequalities (first-level divides)
People who do & don’t have access to computers and internet
Material access (Van Dijk, 2020)
→ high cost putting services & connectivity out of reach for some
→ macro level = poor digital infrastructure in lower-income neighbourhoods
Emphasis on wealth & income as most important aspect of inequalities
→ resonate with traditional inequalities literature
Closer look
Material aspect & access = difficult to define
→ evolved as the internet & ICTs have advanced
Need to go beyond (non-)use of devices & platforms
→ what do people actually do with them?
Skills & use inequalities (second-level divides)
Differences still exist when access is fairly equal
→ access is not solution to digital inequalities (White, 2016)
→ prompted a broadening of scope
Outcome inequalities (third-level divides)
Implicit assumption that increased uptake of ICTs automatically lead to
universally positive outcomes
The digital disconnect - Helsper 2
