Orientations in adolescent use of information and communication technology: a digital divide by sociodemographic background, educational career, and health.
OBJECTIVE
The role of information and communication technology (ICT) in adolescents' lives was studied, with emphasis on whether there exists a digital divide based on sociodemographic background, educational career, and health. The assumption was that some groups of adolescents use ICT more so that their information utilization skills improve (computer use), while others use it primarily for entertainment (digital gaming, contacting friends by mobile phone).


METHODS
Data were collected by mailed survey from a nationally representative sample of 12- to 18-year-olds (n=7,292; response 70%) in 2001 and analysed using ANOVA.


RESULTS
Computer use was most frequent among adolescents whose fathers had higher education or socioeconomic status, who came from nuclear families, and who continued studies after compulsory education. Digital gaming was associated with poor school achievement and attending vocational rather than upper secondary school. Mobile phone use was frequent among adolescents whose fathers had lower education or socioeconomic status, who came from non-nuclear families, and whose educational prospects were poor. Intensive use of each ICT form, especially of mobile phones, was associated with health problems. High social position, nuclear family, and a successful educational career signified good health in general, independently of the diverse usage of ICT.


CONCLUSIONS
There exists a digital divide among adolescents: orientation to computer use is more common in educated well-off families while digital gaming and mobile phone use accumulate at the opposite end of the spectrum. Poorest health was reported by mobile phone users. High social background and success at school signify better health, independently of the ways of using ICT.
Koivusilta
Leena K
LK
IASM (Institutions and Social Mechanisms) Consortium and Department of Social Policy, FIN-20014 University of Turku, Finland. leena.koivusilta@utu.fi
Lintonen
Tomi P
TP
Rimpelä
Arja H
AH
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D040421:Cell Phone / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002648:Child; D003201:Computers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013685:Telecommunications / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*