Social dimensions of ICT diffusion in rural communities

In Lithuania, as in the most societies around the world, the Internet and other information communication technologies (ICT) are mainly used by young, educated, well paid and urban consumers. Elderly, low-educated, low-paid and rural residents are among those who use the Internet the least. In our post-modern network society they are at the risk of social exclusion. This paper is aimed at the analysis of ICT diffusion in rural communities of Lithuania, exploring the main social patterns of diffusion and characteristics of rural Internet users. The study is based on focus group discussions and questionnaire-based survey of Lithuanian rural residents. The paper discusses types of change agents involved in the processes of ICT diffusion in rural communities and the main motives for using the Internet. It also explores the impact of ICT on ways of private communication and communication with relevant public authorities, discusses both positive and negative attitudes to ICT use in everyday life activities.