Purposeful Internet Use and the Digital Divide in the United States: A Pandemic Outlook

• In Event: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/INFORMATION SYSTEMS: Consumer Behavior and Information Technology

Abstract

This paper analyzes geographic patterns and socioeconomic influences on purposeful internet use by American internet users during the COVID-19 pandemic. Purposeful internet use comprises online activities that range from social networking, teleworking, and accessing online education, entertainment, and financial services. Cluster analysis reveals that the lowest levels of online activities took place in U.S. states that often had higher proportion of urban population and higher median age. Regression findings reveal that remote work, median age, urbanization, and educational attainment all influence purposeful internet use in U.S. states. Implications for the U.S. digital divide are discussed and policy recommendations are outlined.

Authors

• Avijit Sarkar, University of Redlands

• James B. Pick, Uni

• Owen Giron, University of Redlands