Digital competence and internet use/behavior of persons with disabilities in PC and smart device use
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Digital competence and internet use/behavior of persons with disabilities in PC and smart device use Eun‑Young Park1
© Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2020
Abstract This study aimed to understand the digital divide in Korea by analyzing the digital competence and Internet use/behavior of persons with disabilities (PwD) in the context of PC and smart device use. Data from the 2018 Information Divide Index compiled by the South Korean National Information Society Agency were analyzed. The sample included both PwD and non-disabled populations. The disabled group was further divided by type of disability. We identified the domains that defined competence and Internet use/behavior. Access rates for both PCs and smart devices were also analyzed. Competence and Internet use/behavior varied among PwD. The results showed that the use of smart devices aggravates the information divide among PwD, and its effect varies by type of disability. When controlling for socioeconomic characteristics, lowerlimb physical disabilities did not negatively affect competency or Internet use/behavior. These findings have implications for further research as well as policy and practice. Strategies to reduce the information divide for PwD should be responsive to the type of disability and environment of PwD. Keywords Competence · Internet use · PC · smart device · Persons with disabilities
1 Introduction The information society in which we live offers us the possibility of enriching our lives and working and living more efficiently. While this information-driven environment has had the positive effect of increased information and knowledge sharing, it has also resulted in the creation of an information minority group, a section of society that is unable to use network goods and services, as well as a majority group. Information-disadvantaged individuals are victims of the digital divide and rely on relatively low-quality information, facing difficulties in managing, controlling, and utilizing information in a safe and productive manner. They also find it difficult to become a part of online social discourse. As a result, they experience inequality and exclusion in various aspects of life such as social and economic opportunities, income, and quality of life [1].
* Eun‑Young Park [email protected] 1
Department of Secondary Special Education, College of Education, Jeonju University, 303 Cheonjam‑ro, Wansan‑gu, Jeonbuk 55069, South Korea
It is difficult to bridge the information gap without an appropriate policy response from the government [2, 3]. Specifically, persons with disabilities (PwD) are more likely to become information poor because a high proportion of them are elderly and unemployed; have low levels of education and income; and face difficulties in accessing information, communication devices, and services [4]. The digital gap observed for PwD is known as the “disability divide” [5]. Although the digital environment does provide PwD with a means to overcome their disabilities and integrate
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