Mining PEW - EXTRA

Lopez, H., Gonzalez-Barrera, A., & Patten, E.  (2013).  Closing the digital divide:  Latinos            and technology adoption.  PEW Internet.  Retrieved on July 31, 2014 from  http://www.pewhispanic.org/2013/03/07/closing-the-digital-divide-latinos-and-technology-adoption/


I decided to go back to this report because it had caught my eye earlier this week.  It researches the use of technology by Latinos in the U.S. and includes the use of the Internet, cell phones, smartphones, computer ownership, and social networking.

According to the report, Latinos' use of the Internet has increased since 2009.  During this same time period, the ownership of cellphones by Latinos also increased and is at par with that of whites and blacks.  Additionally, 78% of Latinos go online and they are more likely to do so using their cellphones.  More native-born Latinos use the Internet than foreign-born.  Furthermore, those who use the Internet more are Latinos who are either proficient in English or bilingual.  About 72% of Latinos own a computer or laptop compared with 83% of whites and 70% of blacks.

The report goes on to state the about 87% of Latinos use social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook.  The majority of these users are foreign-born Latinos and their use is mostly in Spanish.  Native-born Latinos use these sites mostly in English but also in Spanish.

The report also indicates that the higher the educational and income level of Latinos, the higher the rate of them using the Internet, owning cellphones and smartphones, and computers or laptops, and using social networking sites.

One of the things that at first surprised me about this report was that the majority of Latinos who use social networking sites are foreign-born and mostly Spanish speaking.  But then it made sense to me because chances are their families are in other countries and this is their chosen form of communication.

Personally, I am glad to know that this technology gap is closing.  In order eliminate the digital divide completely, however, Latinos will need to keep striving for higher educational and income levels.

Report Length:  46 pages
Count to Date:  196/150