Factors affecting smartphone online activity use in South Korea: with a focus on the moderating effect of disability status

The aim of this study is to analyse whether motivation, Internet attitudes, Internet skills, social support resources, and disability status impact users’ online engagement levels by examining the Internet activity of smartphone users based on certain variables and disability status. The study also reports on the effects of these independent variables according to disability status. Secondary data from the 2017 Digital Divide survey conducted by the National Information Society Agency in Korea were used for the analysis. The sample included 1649 persons with disabilities and 5798 persons without disabilities. We found that higher levels of motivation, positive Internet attitudes, and better Internet skills increased the online engagement of smartphone users regardless of the presence or absence of their disabilities. In terms of interaction effects, persons with disabilities (PWD) who had positive Internet attitudes as well as access to better social support resources were more likely to engage in online activities than persons without disabilities. These results support the importance of policies, ensuring that high-quality smartphones and user support are available to PWD. Moreover, web developers should adhere to universal design to maximise the proliferation of information to everyone. This study also underscores the necessity of tailored technical training for PWD with the hope of fostering positive Internet attitudes by improving access to Internet-ready devices and by increasing the Internet’s perceived enjoyment value.