Comparing Places on Types of Internet Use

Abstract

The analysis in this paper compares types of Internet use as reported in two places, North Carolina, U.S., North America, and Tolima, Colombia, South America. The Internet has changed the world and some basic functions of social life have become intricately linked to having access to and the ability to use the Internet. Yet, access to this important resource is not universal. Both of the places examined in this study have documented disparities in Internet access that produces a digital divide. With globalization, it is increasingly important to understand the advantages, and by default the disadvantages, that accompany the proliferation of the Internet. Using survey data collected from a random sample of citizens in each place, we compare types of Internet use and activities. Given the known differences of the digital divide, we select those with Internet access and focus on their types of use to understand the ways this resource is used by those who have it. This study contributes to the broader literature by focusing on Internet activities that transcend place and describes the most common ways people engage with the Internet.