How Do Cubans Use Internet? The Effects of Capital

Abstract

We conducted an exploratory study to understand Cuban Internet use from individual viewpoint. Drawing upon Bourdieu’s Capital Theory, this study seeks to understand forms of capital that affect Cubans’ Internet access and use. We collected data from online survey posted on a Cuban blogging site and analyzed the narratives of 82 Cuban citizens who shared their Internet use experience. Our data analysis shows that economic and cultural capital are the key factors influencing Cuban’s Global Internet and domestic Intranet access, which in turn influenced the development of their social and technical capital. Moreover, our analysis reveals Cuban’s value in Internet access for communication and knowledge acquisition, and reveals their improvisation behaviors when they experienced access barriers. Suggestions for future research on Cuban Internet use are discussed.