The Racial Digital Divide: Motivational, Affective, and Cognitive Correlates of Internet Use¹

A survey of 787 college undergraduates was used to examine motivational, affective, and cognitive factors that may influence Internet use and contribute to the racial digital divide.

Abstract

The indisputable existence of a racial digital divide calls into question the democratizing potential of the Internet. Beyond issues of access to the technology are psychological factors that may influence Internet use. A survey of 787 college undergraduates—630 European Americans and 157 African Americans—who have similar access to the Internet was used to examine motivational, affective, and cognitive factors that may influence Internet use and contribute to the racial digital divide. Racial differences in Internet use were obtained, but were limited to e‐mail use. A model of Internet use is offered that considers motivational, affective, and cognitive antecedents and consequences of use.