Last Minute Clarification

·      Understand the difference between stratification and normalization as it relates to technological diffusion.

 The S-Curve model says that technologies have a slow rate of initial adoption, followed by a substantial surge that peaks when penetration levels reach saturation point and demand subsequently slows. Normalization says that as costs fall, technology becomes more simplified. At first those who initially adopt it are ahead of the curve, but eventually penetration becomes saturated and that prices fall so laggards catch up and technology becomes pervasive. Competitive markets will eventually even everything out, no government intervention needed. Stratification state that groups well networked via traditional forms of information and communication will maintain their edge in the digital economy. Those who have it are from higher socioeconomic status. Adoption of new technologies often reinforces economic advantages so the rich get richer. Without government intervention, new technology will exacerbate existing social divisions.

·      What are the characteristics of people who are more likely to be online?

Different levels of household income correlated strongly with internet use. There is also no sign of a closing of the digital divide in terms of income level. In terms of occupation managers and professionals are twice as likely to use the internet that other white collar jobs like clerical assistants and service sector employees and three times more like than manual workers. For education college educated individuals are much more likely to use the Internet and is considered by many the strongest determinant in internet use. Evidence of a gender gap in internet use remains inconclusive although many studies show woman are less likely to be online than men. In terms of age, the younger generations are using the internet more than older generations, especially in terms of senior citizens. All in all it seems that resource based inequalities have increased as internet use diffused more widely.