Explaining the digital divide in the European Union : the complementary role of information security concerns in the social process of internet appropriation
Lamberti, Giuseppe (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament d'Empresa)
López Sintas, Jordi (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament d'Empresa)
Sukphan, Jakkapong (Maejo University)

Date:	2023
Description:	78 pàg.
Abstract:	Most theoretical and empirical explanations of the generation of digital divides have been integrated into the resources and appropriation theory, which proposes a sequential model reflecting a socially unequally distributed digital divide. The unequal social distribution is reflected in internet use that is sequentially influenced by motivations/attitudes, physical access, and digital skills. We extend the sequential model by exploring the complementary role of information security concerns in producing the digital divide. Using a predictive approach, we tested a comprehensive partial least squares-structural equation model with data from a European Union survey, finding that information security concern is another significant determiner of the digital divide. Heterogeneity in social internet appropriation can be summarized in social mechanisms explained by education and age among well-educated Europeans, and by country digital development among less well-educated Europeans. We conclude with a discussion of theoretical and policy implications of our findings.
Grants:	Agència de Gestió d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca 2017/SGR-1056 European Commission. Horizon 2020 870691
Rights:	Tots els drets reservats.
Language:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; recerca ; Versió de l'autor
Subject:	Trust ; Information security concerns ; Digital divide ; PLS-SEM ; Digital skills ; Internet use
Published in:	Information Technology for Development, Vol. 29 Núm. 4 (2023) , p. 665-691, ISSN 1554-0170

DOI: 10.1080/02681102.2023.2202640

Preprint 78 p, 1.0 MB

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