Comparison of Quadratic Levels of Digital Divide in Terms of Demographic Variables: Case Study of Rafsanjan City

This study aims to investigate the effect of demographic variables on quadratic levels of the digital divide (Van Dijk’s model), including material and physical access, motivational access, digital literacy and skills, and usage. The study population included 600 citizens of Rafsanjan, Iran. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire and were analyzed in SPSS. The results showed that the variables of gender and marital status had significant effects on two levels of the digital divide. Gender had significant effects on physical access and digital literacy and skills. Men had higher levels of physical and material access and digital literacy and skills. Marital status also had significant effects on motivational access and digital literacy and skills; as, single individuals showed higher levels of motivational access and digital literacy and skills. Other demographic variables including age, educational qualifications, job status, and income had significant effects on various levels of the digital divide. Individuals aged 20-40 had higher levels of material and motivational access, digital literacy and skills and usage and aging resulted in decreased access and increased digital divide. Those with higher economic and social status, who had higher levels of education and income and better jobs, had better access. In fact, digital divide decreased with an increase in education and income. Finally, it can be concluded that demographic variables play a substantial role in the creation and expansion of the digital divide.