Abstract

Since the advent of the Internet, the diffusion of computers has narrowed the gap between the digital "have" and "have-nots," however researchers have identified a new disparity beyond computer accessibility as a result of the growing dependence of information on the Internet. This study will explore people's differences in online skills among users in the city of Rochester, N.Y. Based on a quota sample and a survey computer tasks are administered to evaluate internet skills. Findings suggest that there are significant differences in the amount of time it took to complete each task, while differences in education level, sex, age, and ethnicity in completing the tasks proved to be statistically insignificant.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Electronic information resource literacy--New York (State)--Rochester; Digital divide--New York (State)--Rochester; Internet searching--Research

Publication Date

12-19-2013

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Communication and Media Technologies (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Department of Communication (CLA)

Advisor

Bruce A. Austin

Advisor/Committee Member

Tywanquila Walker

Advisor/Committee Member

Rudy Pugliese

Comments

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at ZA4065 .B374 2013

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

COMMTCH-MS

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