ABSTRACT
Online activity promises to reshape patterns of social exclusion, by reshaping accessibility in space and time. Virtual mobility, via the Internet, is now emerging as a viable alternative to physical mobility as an accessibility technology, providing access to opportunities, services, social networks and other goods. Internet use can overcome space/time constraints, not only replacing existing travel, but also providing an additional means of access to activities from which people were previously excluded. However, for virtual mobility to reduce social exclusion, it must provide the same function as physical mobility or, at least, fill the accessibility gap that a lack of physical mobility leaves. In addition, it must avoid any negative social or mobility effects, which could worsen mobility-related exclusion, or social exclusion in general. If online activity were to increase the spatial and temporal diversity of offline activities, or to otherwise increase barriers to access, those unable to overcome these barriers may experience even greater social exclusion.
