Gaming or gaining? Comparing the use of Internet cafés in Indonesia and Tanzania

Abstract

Main objectives of this study are to map and compare patterns of Internet use in poor contexts and to enhance the understanding of social gains from Internet access. The term ‘utility gap’ is introduced, defined as a divergence between optimal benefits and real social profit from regular Internet use at a specific site. Internet cafes are the most common venues for accessing the Internet in poor countries, and this research is based on a survey of customers in such cafes in two countries. The selected cities of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Yogyakarta in Indonesia represent typical poor African and Asian contexts for Internet use, which are worthy of comparing. At both locations, usage frequency tends to increase with higher individual competence and capacities. Type of use is influenced by age and gender, as well as by competence, capacities, and usage frequency. A high percentage of users utilise their Web access for socially gainful activities, and limited time is spent on games and gambling. Use patte...