Youth, ethnicity, and a 'reverse digital divide': a study of Internet use in a divided country
Journal
Convergence
Date Issued
August 2014
DOI
10.1177/1354856513517366
Abstract
Internet use among young people in multicultural societies is differentiated according to socioeconomic
and cultural factors, one of which is their ethnic background. This study is concerned
with the unreported case of Cyprus – the last divided country in Europe, with most Greek
Cypriots living in the south and most Turkish Cypriots living in the northern part of the island. The
study explores two main questions: First, are online experiences of young people in Cyprus shaped
by socioeconomic factors, such as gender, education, and income? Second, is ethnicity a defining
factor regarding the kinds of activities young people undertake online? Analysis of data obtained by
a representative sample survey of about 350 young adult Cypriots aged 18–24 in both communities
suggests the existence of a ‘reverse digital divide’, as the more disadvantaged community engages
more often in expression, association, and learning online. This finding provides support for the
diversification hypothesis that suggests a compensatory or remedial use of the Internet by disadvantaged
youths.
and cultural factors, one of which is their ethnic background. This study is concerned
with the unreported case of Cyprus – the last divided country in Europe, with most Greek
Cypriots living in the south and most Turkish Cypriots living in the northern part of the island. The
study explores two main questions: First, are online experiences of young people in Cyprus shaped
by socioeconomic factors, such as gender, education, and income? Second, is ethnicity a defining
factor regarding the kinds of activities young people undertake online? Analysis of data obtained by
a representative sample survey of about 350 young adult Cypriots aged 18–24 in both communities
suggests the existence of a ‘reverse digital divide’, as the more disadvantaged community engages
more often in expression, association, and learning online. This finding provides support for the
diversification hypothesis that suggests a compensatory or remedial use of the Internet by disadvantaged
youths.