Digital divide in social networking sites

  • Authors:

  • Yoosun Hwang;Namkee Park

  • Affiliations:

  • Department of Journalism and Communication, Joong-bu University, 201 Daehak-ro, Chubu-myeon, Geumsan-gun, Chungnam 312-702, South Korea;School of Communication, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-749, South Korea

  • Venue:
  • International Journal of Mobile Communications
  • Year:
  • 2013

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Abstract

This study investigated the effects of demographic variables on the use of social networking sites SNSs and SNS users internet skills to expand the theoretical scope of digital divide. The effects of individuals intentions of using SNSs on their social participation were also examined. Data were obtained through an online survey. For the analysis of SNS use, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and Cyworld were included. Results demonstrate that, for both SNS use and internet skills, education, monthly income and smartphone use affected SNS use positively, whereas age affected them negatively. Intention of relationship management and hard news consumption on SNSs influenced participation in social activities. Implications of the findings were discussed.