uses" (DiMaggio et al., 2001, p. 310). Where the domain of political participation is concerned, political participation refers to conventional and new forms of political activism and campaign activities, including contributing to a candidate online, visiting a Candidate Web site, leaving a post on an official blog, emailing candidates or elected officials about concerns and other politically-related activities (Jagoda, 2008). The third domain of cultural participation and cultural diversity refers to the impact of the internet on social integration and socializing process that "shape identity," both personal and cultural (Guerrero & Batanero, 2008, p. 13). All three of these domains are significant to a sociological understanding of the impact of the Internet.
Inequality in Internet access potentially limits the ability of low-income individuals to find work, gain access to information, and reduces other potential benefits of the Internet like obtaining education or forging social support networks. The Internet also has the potential to greatly enhance the potential of low-income individuals to increase human capital, compete for work opportunities, and "otherwise enhance their life chances" (DiMaggio et al., 2001, p. 310). Even with socioeconomic factors held constant, DiMaggio et al. (2001) report that significant differences in internet use exist between racial and ethnic groups. However, significant evidence shows that the internet has narrowed the digital divide where men, women, and the young and old are concerned (DiMaggio et al., 2001). Factors in overcoming the digital divide include such things as the provision of public s
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