A161.
Rice,
R. E., Pearce, K. E., & Calderwood, K. J.
(2022). W(h)ither the device divide? Changing relationships between
personal
computer or mobile device with online activities. Mobile Media
&
Communication, 11(3), 484-506. https://doi.org/10.1177/20501579221142134
The “device divide” occurs when uses of the
Internet
vary substantially by device. While the mobile phone was welcomed as a
way to
reduce the general digital divide, much early research presumed that
mobile
Internet was essentially inferior to personal-computer-based Internet
in terms
of possible online activities and related benefits. Given ongoing
developments
in devices, online activities, and socio-demographic differences, we
reassess
the device divide. After reviewing the concept, and considering mobile
phone
capabilities that could influence activities, followed by summarizing
changes
in device usage and online activities in the United States, we analyze
the
device divide from 2011 to 2019 in Armenia. Over time, use of mobile
Internet
separately and combined with personal computer Internet grew, and
differences
in online activity use withered, raising issues of whither device
divide
research. Nonetheless, in all years, there are continuing
demographic-based
digital divides after controlling for device divides.
Click
here for PDF copy of publication