Work

First-level fundamentals: computer ownership is more important for internet benefits than in-home internet service

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Although computers, smartphones, and internet service are essential 21st century tools, digital equity stakeholders often focus on in-home internet service in their advocacy. Yet few scholars have compared the associated benefits of different fundamental digital resources. In response, a cross-sectional analysis of two waves of U.S. census data (2020, N = 84,206; 2023, N = 82,941) revealed that computer use (laptop/desktop) was consistently a stronger predictor of beneficial internet use (e.g., job searches, government resources, and eHealth) than smartphone access or in-home internet service, and device quality explained additional model variance. Moreover, computer use without in-home internet was more beneficial than in-home internet without computer use, and in-home internet was especially important in homes with smartphones. These findings add nuance to resources and appropriation theory and the technology maintenance framework, and underscore that internet and devices are both important, requiring policies that facilitate access to both.

Source: Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication

DOI: 10.1093/jcmc/zmaf007

Authors: Amy L Gonzales, Ceciley (Xinyi) Zhang

Institution: University of California, Santa Barbara

Language: English

Topic: ICT Impact and Policies

Subfield: Media Technology

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: University of California, Santa Barbara