Digital Divide and Life Satisfaction among Married Immigrant Women in Korea

Abstract

The present study examines the determinants for married immigrant women to access mobile Internet, their skills and usage, and the effects of these factors on their life satisfaction. Using the Digital Divide Survey 2017, this study analyzes the demographic characteristics of married immigrant women, their attitude towards technology and the Internet, family support on the digital divide, and the effects of these factors on their life satisfaction. The results show that age, monthly household income, attitudes, and family support have significant effect on immigrant women’s mobile Internet access. It is also indicated that age, country of origin, monthly household income, attitudes, and mobile Internet skills are significant factors influencing mobile Internet usage. Furthermore, married immigrant women’s mobile Internet usage has a positive effect on their life satisfaction. Based on these results, this study suggests policy suggestions for improving mobile Internet access for women, skills, and usage, as well as their life satisfaction.