Are ICT Non-Users Absolute Non-Users?

Abstract

The level of ICT usage is one of the criteria to measure rural development. Nevertheless, the increasing presence of the “digital divide” indicates that there are setbacks in accomplishing this progress. A deeper understanding about the categorization of users and non-users of technologies is needed as there is an implicit element called ‘potential users' among the non-user category that decides level of ICT usage among people. But the fact is that all are not using the technologies in an equal proportion. The variation is based on different reasons. However, there are people who are interested in ICTs and are unable to explore it. This chapter discusses the categorization of ICT users and non-users and the barriers of potential users for technology use. Thus, measures for transforming potential users to innovators are described. Guiding potential users in handling ICTs may pave the way to enhancing the digital enrichment of rural people. The need for digital freedom is found to be the basic requirement of potential users.