Analysis of the Third Digital Divide in Relation to Digital Socialization Itineraries among University Students in Uruguay

Abstract

The social transformations generated by digitization and the increasing prominence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in social relations have underscored the need to delve deeper into the analysis of digital divides to enhance our understanding of social inequalities in the digital age. Thus, sociology has delved into identifying the variables that underpin differential capacities to make productive use of digital technologies for improving living conditions, a phenomenon referred to as the third digital divide. This study delves into this issue by analyzing the digital socialization itineraries of young people. To achieve this, the technique of techno-biographical interviews was employed with 30 university students in Uruguay. Through the classification of interviews into clusters based on coding similarity, five digital socialization itineraries were identified: contextual disengagement, aspirational advancement, productive channeling, controlled development, and abusive development. By closely examining these groups, a set of variables with significant biographical impacts was identified, affecting both the capacity to harness digital technologies and the potential risks associated with their use. The findings hold relevance for guiding research in the field and for policymakers in addressing ICT education challenges during childhood and adolescence.