The digital disconnect - Ellen J. Helsper

With the increased digitisation of society comes an increased concern about who is left behind.

From societal causes tothe impact ofeveryday actions,The Digital Disconnectexplores the relationship between digital and social inequalities, and the lived consequences of digitisation.

Ellen Helsper goes beyond questions of digital divides and whoisconnected. She asks why and how social and digital inequalities are linked and shows the tangible outcomes ofsocio-digital inequalitiesineveryday lives.The book:

• Introduces the key theories and concepts needed to understand both 'traditional' and digital inequalities research.


• Investigates a range of socio-digital inequalities, from digital access and skills, to civic participation, social engagement, and everyday content creation and consumption.


• Brings research to life with a range of qualitative vignettes, drawing out the personal experiences that lay at the heart of global socio-digital inequalities.

The Digital Disconnectis an expert exploration of contemporary theory, research and practice in socio-digital inequalities.

It is also an urgent and impassioned call to broaden horizons, expand theoretical and methodological toolkits, and work collectively to help achieve a fairer digital future for all.

EllenJ.Helsper is Professor of Digital Inequalities at the Department of Media and Communications at London School of Economicsand Political Science.