Spatial Attributes and Patterns of Use in Household-Related Information and Communications Technology Activity

Abstract

Information and communications technologies (ICTs) are affecting an ever-increasing array of household activities. Although considerable research has documented patterns of ICT use and sociodemographic profiles of ICT users, surprisingly little research has examined the role of spatial attributes such as accessibility, ICT availability, and levels of congestion in ICT-related activities. This paper aims to answer questions related to the propensity of residents in metropolitan areas to use the Internet for e-commerce, e-banking, and other financial transactions and how such use is affected by spatial attributes of retail and bank accessibility and traffic congestion. First, a snapshot of aggregate patterns of ICT use in the United States is provided, and past theories are described. Next, the methodology is described for administering a mail-out and mail-back survey of households in the spring of 2003 (including Seattle, Washington; Kansas City, Kansas and Missouri; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania). The survey measured participation in ICT-based activities in the form of shopping on the Internet (referred to as e-shopping), electronic banking, and other financial transactions. Finally, analyses are presented that focus on the degree to which the use of such activities is shaped by factors of accessibility, ICT availability, and traffic congestion. Contrary to expectations, the results suggest that, for the most part, spatial attributes do not appear to play a significant or substantive role in affecting rates of ICT use.