Determinants of the Digital Divide in Rural Communities of a Developing Country : The Case of Malaysia

Abstract

The computer is regarded as an important tool for the socioeconomic development of communities, particularly in the developing world, and studies have shown that the digital divide has led to the increasing wealth gap between the rural and urban areas in these countries. Key socioeconomic factors which impact computer usage in rural agricultural and fishing communities in Malaysia are examined in this study. Using the probit model, this study found that access to computers, type of rural community, ethnicity, education, language of communication, gender, social networks (encouragement from peer, family, and teachers), and age are the main factors affecting computer usage. High cost of computers, low computer literacy, and lack of relevance and interest were cited as the main reasons for people not using computers in rural communities. Furthermore, strategies for closing the digital divide in Malaysia are also discussed in this paper.