Researching Digital Divides: The Pew Internet & American Life Project

Given the breadth and persistence of digital divides, researchers are working to define and measure them. For example, the U.S.-based Pew Internet & American Life Project released a report in 2013 called Broadband Adoption: The Next Mile.

• You can read this report here.
  

The Pew Project has been conducting national surveys of Internet use and broadband adoption since early 2000. Among other topics, researchers look at digital divides and the factors that prevent people from adopting broadband. In October 2013 the organization presented some of its research findings on this topic during public hearings before the U.S. Senate. The purpose of these hearings was to examine how to increase broadband adoption in U.S., explore challenges to broadband adoption and come up with strategies to overcome those barriers.

• You can watch the hearings here
  

In his presentation to the Senate Committee, researcher Aaron Smith outlined how in the year 2000, just 3% of American adults could access broadband at home. This figure has drastically increased: by May 2013, almost three-quarters of the population could do so. However, the rate of growth for broadband adoption in the U.S. has slowed significantly in recent years. Rates of adoption are also lower among certain population groups – in particular, older adults, people with low levels of education, and people with low household incomes. Others facing digital divides include rural residents, African Americans and Latinos, and people with physical disabilities or chronic health conditions.

When the Pew researchers asked some of these people why they do not yet use broadband Internet at home, they gave several reasons. These included challenges in using the technologies, price and affordability, and a belief that the Internet is a waste of time. Some did not own a computer. Their responses highlight some persistent digital divides. Can you think of others?

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