Donate

Why Computers Matter: A Conversation with Dr. Amy Gonzales

Millions of people in the U.S. face barriers to opportunity because they don’t have access to a reliable computer. In this interview, Dr. Amy Gonzales, Associate Professor at UC Santa Barbara, joins Digitunity board member Allison Strobel to explore the real-world impact of computer ownership, and why large-screen devices matter more than ever.

This interview builds on findings from Amy’s co-authored paper, published in the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, May 2025: “First-Level Fundamentals: Computer Ownership Is More Important for Internet Benefits than In-Home Internet Service.”  Read the full paper here.

" Analysis of census data from 2020 and 2023 shows that using a computer is more strongly associated with beneficial uses of the internet than having in-home internet."

- Gonzales & Zhang, Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 2025 Tweet

 Watch the Full Interview Below

What the Research Shows

This conversation draws on national survey data and years of qualitative research to highlight a central truth: Computer ownership is the gateway to opportunity.

New findings confirm what communities have long understood:

  • Computers are consistently associated with higher rates of online job applications, healthcare access, and use of government services.
  • Smartphones and internet alone are not enough for online activities.
  • Poor-quality devices and lack of technical support create invisible barriers that add up over time.

Why This Matters

  • 1 in 7 U.S. households do not have a large-screen computer at home
  • Over 33 million people are affected by the digital divide
  • Device quality matters: The paper found that the functionality of the computer (not just its presence) further explained differences in outcomes, meaning having a computer isn’t enough if it doesn’t work well.

What’s Needed

Dr. Gonzales outlines a path forward, one that centers on systems-level change:

  • Access to reliable, functional large-screen computers
  • Affordable broadband
  • Digital skills training and emotional support
  • Technical assistance and device maintenance
  • Visibility, outreach, and investment in public-facing computing infrastructure

Other Recent Posts

Smiling Canopy Children’s Solutions staff member wearing clear-framed glasses, a navy blazer, and a Canopy shirt.

Expanding Computer Ownership in Mississippi: A Conversation with Yolanda Wooten, Canopy Children’s Solutions

Digitunity recently sat down with Yolanda Wooten, the LINK Director at Canopy Children’s Solutions, an organization dedicated to providing behavioral health, education, and family support services for underserved families across Mississippi. Canopy Children’s Solutions has served approximately 2,800 children through behavioral health solutions and 1,300 children through educational services. Canopy Children’s Solutions has reached over 7,500 children and their families through family support solutions. LINK connects Mississippi families with children to available support and local,

Black-and-white portrait of a woman wearing a cowboy hat, patterned glasses, and a light-colored jacket while smiling and adjusting the brim of her hat indoors.

Lifelong Learner: Ms. Gales’ Digital Journey

Ms. Brenda Gales spent decades teaching kindergartners how to learn. In retirement, she found that she was now the learner as the digital world continuously moves ahead. Laptops, unfamiliar interfaces, complex software: she manages her iPhone well, but other technologies started feeling out of reach. When a former classmate from high school told her about the Connected Learning digital literacy workshops offered by Canopy Children’s Solutions in collaboration with Digitunity and AT&T, Ms. Gales didn’t

Graphic promoting a Digitunity report titled “AI Workforce Investments Risk Falling Short Without Computer Ownership.” The image shows the report cover alongside the text “Download the Report” and states that more than 32.9 million Americans lack a computer at home, limiting participation in AI-driven education and workforce programs.

New Report: AI Workforce Investments Risk Falling Short Without Computer Ownership

A new analysis on why policy momentum requires stronger implementation systems We believe the nation’s ability to compete in an AI-driven economy depends on building skills at scale. Federal agencies, state leaders, and workforce systems are moving quickly to expand AI education and training. While policy momentum is clear, the underlying infrastructure necessary for implementation has failed to keep pace. AI literacy is not achieved through a single session or a short-term course; it requires

Translate »

The need for computers has never been greater.​ Sign up for our newsletter.