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Digital exclusion and relative digital deprivation: Exploring factors and moderators of internet non-use in the UK

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Charles DennisORCiD

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Abstract

© 2023. This paper investigates internet non-use in the UK. We apply Resource and Appropriation Theory (RAT), identifying main factors associated with internet non-use in the UK: (1) older age, (2) lower socio-economic classification, (3) disability, (4) less education/qualifications, and (5) lower housing tenure. We extend RAT by exploring magnifying effects of disadvantages, particularly, moderating effects of gender, housing tenure, urban/rural, North/South divide, and ethnicity. Internet non-users tend to be in lower-paid jobs, which impacts productivity even more during than before Covid, closing the loop of the RAT vicious circle. A thread runs through the results on the importance of attitudes and motivation. Accordingly, we recommend interventions based on Relative Digital Deprivation Theory. Once an individual understands that they suffer digital inequality, they are more likely to change attitudes and behavior to reduce inequality. If encouraged by family and friends, they may then view internet non-use as fixable and worth fixing, potentially becoming internet users.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Ueno A, Dennis C, Dafoulas GA

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Technological Forecasting and Social Change

Year: 2023

Volume: 197

Print publication date: 01/12/2023

Online publication date: 23/10/2023

Acceptance date: 15/10/2023

Date deposited: 19/11/2024

ISSN (print): 0040-1625

ISSN (electronic): 1873-5509

Publisher: Elsevier Inc.

URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122935

DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122935

Data Access Statement: The authors do not have permission to share data.

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