Digital inequalities and vulnerability among internet users

The proposed paper addresses issues related to the “second-order digital divide”, i.e. inequalities in Internet usage, once the access barrier is overcome. In a first step, the concepts of digital competences and digital vulnerability are highlighted. The second step is based on empirical investigation carried out in Belgium, through biographical interviews of Internet users between 20 and 60 years old, in 2009-2010. It draws a typology of Internet users’ profiles and trajectories, describing the motivations, the diversity of usage framework and the dynamics of engagement of users. The third step explains how the constructed typology can explain the development of digital and/or social vulnerability and the consequences in terms of inequalities and social justice. The presentation may be either in English or Spanish or French.