Information Communication Technologies in Thailand: the influence of social structure and the autonomy of use
Keywords:
Internet use, Social position, Digital divide, Digital Inequality, Social inequalityAbstract
There has never been digital equality as we face social inequality. This paper aims to examine the uses of information communication technologies (ICTs) and the social structure of the digital divide in Thailand to compare the findings with those reported in more developed countries. Multiple correspondence analysis is conducted to form the scales of internet use and autonomy of use. Linear regressions were used to test the scales' effects on the social structure of ICT use in Thailand.
The findings indicate that Internet use can be categorized into the intensity of internet use and commercial and leisure use. The intensity of internet use is positively related to the autonomy of use and social position indicators. However, social positions are mainly associated with the type of use. This study also emphasizes the influence of the autonomy of use and its social structure on internet use and access. Our research contributes further insights into the social production of the digital gap, particularly in developing countries.
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