The Three Levels of the Digital Divide: Barriers in Access, Use and Utility of Internet among Young People in Spain

Abstract

This paper explores the three levels of digital divide among young people living in the region of Madrid (Spain). We use a qualitative approach, based on 20 in-depth interviews, in order to describe the personal process of Internet appropriation among this collective, taking into account the differences associated to gender, age, education, geographical habitat and type of technology use. Taking into account the three levels of the digital divide, we explore 5 important barriers (access, skills, motivation, emotions and utility) that influence the type of use of digital technologies by young people. We conclude that, even among youngsters who frequently use digital technologies, there are important asymmetries and barriers that limit the utility they can get from them, related to their sociocultural background and their personal processes of technological socialization.