The digital divide in a multiplicative sequential framework
Jeffrey D. James · Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks · 2025
The Internet offers poor countries the chance to close the digital divide, but the opportunity seems to have been applied to entertainment and gaming, which often have low developmental components. I re-examine why it is so difficult to close this digital divide and argue that the paradox that relatively poor countries spend their time on the Internet on entertainment and leisure activities rather than on more traditional development activities may give rise to fundamentally different use patterns. I also argue that differences in digital skills between countries help to underlie the welfare effects at the final stage where the Internet yields its benefits (or costs) to the user. This paradox emerges in the form of digital reversals (some of which may have pronounced negative effects). It is hoped that these two related elements will provide a revised framework for viewing the divide and will allow for more informed policy choices.