Modelling the underlying behavioural antecedents of the digital divide from the ability, motivation and opportunity framework

This paper proposes a model to explain the underlying behavioural antecedents of the digital divide in terms of the usage of digital technology. The increasing accessibility to digital technology has triggered major changes to users’ behaviour. Some users have leveraged the technologies in enhancing productivities, while others have recorded little or negative impact. Thus, by integrating the social cognitive theory with the ability, motivation and opportunity (AMO) framework we posit an encompassing determinant of individual’s engagement with digital technology. Specifically, we identify ability and motivation as the determinants of individual’s usage of digital technology and suggest technology accessibility in terms of opportunity, as the moderator of the relationships. The proposed theoretical model will be tested using data to be collected from the Bottom 40 segments in Malaysia.