Digital divide research has benefitted from theories that account for unevenness between individuals, households, and geographic units in access to, and uses of information and communications technologies (ICTs). The objective of this paper is to explain and examine important digital divide theories, compare and contrast their major features, and identify appropriate methodologies to test them. Four theories examined are Adoption-Diffusion Theory (ADT), van Dijk's Theory of Digital Technology Access and Societal Impacts, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and Spatially Aware Technology Utilization Model (SATUM). The theories are compared based on their independent and outcome factors, units of analysis, spatial components, and amount of scholarly literature. The methodologies utilized depend on sample size and range from varied regression and multinominal logit models to structured equation modeling, event history, and spatial analyses. The strengths and weaknesses of the digital divide theories are compared and can inform investigators on appropriate theoretical choice for particular settings.
['James B. Pick', 'Avijit Sarkar']
Theories of the Digital Divide: Critical Comparison