International Journal of Technology and Human Interaction, 4(2), 1-21, April-June 2008 1 Copyright © 2008, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to widen the debate surrounding participation in the eSo- ciety, shifting the focus from access and economic power to skills and knowledge. It will present empirical research which, whilst not starting out as research into skills for the eSociety, revealed some relevant and enlightening issues. Focusing on two diverse contexts of activity (shopping and health care support) I will illustrate how the status quo (that the educated and economically rich have privileged, unfettered access to the services of the e-society) is flawed, misleading to stakeholders, and detrimental to both service providers and consumers. From a critical social theory (CST) perspective this paper critiques assumptions that the internet brings about citizen empowerment through increased access to information, and opportunities to communicate and share knowledge with service providers and other consumers. It demonstrates that this as- sumption derives from the myth that technology per se brings huge benefits, including wealth and empowerment. Concludes that access to ICTs alone does not bring about effective engagement in the eSociety. Keywords: digital divide; e-skills; e-literacy; online support THE BACKGROUND It is generally accepted that information technology (IT) is unique in the effect that it has upon every facet of society. Its ubiquity has impacted upon work, leisure, commercial interactions, and provision and consumption of public services. IT has the potential to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of ev- ery aspect of both public and private organisations and individual lives. However, the current take up and usage rates of new technologies appear to be widening the economic divide, which significantly has been redefined in the e-society as the “digital divide.” Pixel Chix and Digi Guys: Exploring the Experiences of the “Digital Citizen” in Two Contexts Rachel McLean, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK IGI PUBLISHING This paper appears in the publication, International Journal of Technology and Human Interaction, Volume 4, Issue 2 edited by Bernd Carsten Stahl © 2008, IGI Global 701 E. Chocolate Avenue, Suite 200, Hershey PA 17033-1240, USA Tel: 717/533-8845; Fax 717/533-8661; URL-http://www.igi-global.com ITJ4109