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 Gonzalez, 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 inthe 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.”
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. Gonzalez outlines a path forward, one that centers on a 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
Digitunity partners with communities nationwide to expand computer ownership: not through short-term fixes, but by transforming the systems that make access possible.
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