Reframing digital inequality: investigating symbolic boundaries in media use among Norwegian adolescents

This study explores how Norwegian adolescents assign symbolic value to media preferences and practices, and how distinctions and cultural hierarchies contribute to inequality by reinforcing group boundaries. Findings show that adolescents categorized as cultural upper middle and elite classes draw symbolic boundaries within their own social group (in-group) by portraying an unnamed out-group as lazy, unintelligent and less productive. These boundaries are expressed through distinctions that frame certain media as ‘intelligent’, ‘stupefying’, or ‘easily attainable’ and media practices as either ‘productive’ or ‘healthy’ and therefore preferable. Aligned with neoliberal ideals of self-optimization and productivity, the study argues that managing media use and restricting screen time have become markers of class belonging among the cultural upper middle and elite classes. Drawing on interviews and fieldwork in both physical and digital spaces, the study provides insight into digital inequalities in a Norwegian context and how adolescents aged 16–19 use and experience media. It highlights the importance of moving beyond access, skills and user habits in digital inequality studies and considers how media preferences and practices hold symbolic value, which can reveal hidden divides between social groups.