LIFE IN THE DIGITAL SLOW LANE: HOW DEPRIVED YOUNG PEOPLE ARE SET UP TO FAIL

The phenomenon of digital differentiation, or stark variations in ability to access Internet hardware and/or infrastructure, has been a feature provision since its early days. This article explores the impact differentiation on two groups young people, England and Germany. It is based fieldwork that took place during academic year 2018-2019, just before global pandemic threw issue equality into sharp relief. begins by describing empirical design My Life Online project, including background, sampling, instruments, ethical aspects initial data analysis approach taken ensure reliability validity. then develops further drawing Halford Savage’s hybrid Bourdieu/Actor Network Theory model (2010) map out socio-technical network surrounding people our study. In this way we identify areas change conflict compound existing social deprivation. We conclude making case for better education policy awareness key issues, more equitable distribution national infrastructure moving forwards.