Abstract

This study originates the construct of core tech support networks to understand the most fundamental digital inequality issues that remain in disadvantaged communities. Beyond social inequalities, digital factors, and social capital, this study explores how three different characteristics of core tech support networks are related to digital inequalities, such as gaps in Internet use and basic digital skills. The results show that the overall size of core tech support networks and the better resources embedded in the networks can narrow gaps in Internet use and the presence of basic digital skills. However, they do not further improve the proficiency levels of basic digital skills. Core tech support networks’ composition based on tie strength is not related to inequalities in either Internet use or basic digital skills. This study provides both valuable theoretical and practical implications for digital inequalities and digital inclusion.

中文翻译：

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美国弱势城市社区的核心技术支持网络和数字不平等

摘要

这项研究旨在构建核心技术支持网络，以了解弱势社区中仍然存在的最根本的数字不平等问题。除社会不平等，数字因素和社会资本外，本研究还探讨了核心技术支持网络的三个不同特征如何与数字不平等相关，例如互联网使用和基本数字技能方面的差距。结果表明，核心技术支持网络的整体规模以及网络中嵌入的更好的资源可以缩小互联网使用和基本数字技能存在的差距。但是，他们并没有进一步提高基本数字技能的熟练程度。基于联系强度的核心技术支持网络的构成与互联网使用或基本数字技能的不平等无关。