Abstract
The digital divide in rural areas is an important social issue, especially in developing countries. Although Internet and broadband penetration have increased in the world generally, there are many obstacles for rural China to get access to ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and its services. The mobile platform is regarded as a novel and effective tool to reduce the digital divide. Based on a case of one mobile platform, namely WeCountry in Chinese rural areas, this study illustrates how a mobile platform bridges the digital divide and helps rural areas achieve social inclusion. Results show that: (1) the mobile platform mainly acts on the digital capability divide elimination, and it has to guide and increase users’ usage capability; (2) the mobile platform can empower villagers in structural, psychological, and resource dimensions, achieving political inclusion, social participation inclusion, and economic inclusion; (3) platform providers and government are key organizations during the divide elimination process. This paper concludes with theoretical and practical implications.
Highlights
The digital divide is a social and economic issue that has gained significant interest in recent years [1,2,3]
We provide a theoretical discussion of digital divide, mobile platform and social inclusion, and introduce the empowerment as the theoretical lens
In 2015, we found that the mobile platform may be an innovative and effective way to bridge digital divide, leveraging the advantages of Internet
Summary
The digital divide is a social and economic issue that has gained significant interest in recent years [1,2,3]. Enterprises, government, and other organizations play important roles in bridging digital divide and achieve social inclusion via ICTs, such as information infrastructure establishment, finance assistant, related supportive policy formulation, technology product design and training [3,20]. Their ICT-enabled development approaches benefit a lot from their profession, abundant resource, and practical capability. Studies have shown that mobile platform eliminates digital divide, and play a vital role in communication and social participation It can bring a sense of belonging and group identity by effective self-disclosure, contributing to higher well-being [28]. We conclude the paper by highlighting theoretical and practical contributions
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