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Research Paper | Science and Technology | Korea, South | Volume 12 Issue 11, November 2023

Divided Digital Divide: The Third Level of the Digital Divide Depending on Devices and Purposes

Albert Yu Hyun Rho

Abstract: The digital divide remains a significant social issue despite technological advancements. While previous research primarily focused on access disparities, this study aimed to address the multifaceted nature of the digital divide by investigating the correlation between technology purpose and device accessibility. We bring to light significant insights into the three levels of the digital divide and examine the relationships between different devices, digital skills, emotional costs, and self-efficacy. Based on data collected from our questionnaires, the results indicate that individuals with greater digital skills experience reduced emotional costs when using ICT devices. Notably, smartphone usage is versatile, challenging common perceptions that it is only used for entertainment. However, laptop and tablet usage for work-related tasks displays a stronger correlation with the level of emotional cost compared to entertainment-related usage. Our findings imply that certain types of devices, their specific usage, and the digital skills needed to use them should be considered by policymakers and educators in digital inclusion strategies to profoundly understand and systemically resolve the digital divide. Although limited by a relatively small sample size, this study emphasizes the need for more extensive, diverse datasets to bolster generalizability.

Keywords: technology, digital, devices

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 11, November 2023,

Pages: 882 - 886