Abstract: The study of the third-level digital divide focuses on the differential effects produced by digital skills， often assuming the benefits of these effects while neglecting the varying capacities of different groups to guard against potential negative effects.With the application of the theory of resources and appropriation， this study analyzes the relationship between digital skills and digital negative effects from a new dimension of digital harm in the Chinese context. It also explores the inequality in the prevention of digital harm.
Based on an analysis of the 2017 data from the China General Social Survey （CGSS）， the study finds that younger individuals， higher-educated， higher-income， and urban dwellers possess higher digital skills， but also by extension are exposed to higher levels of digital harm. Digital skills play a crucial mediating role between categorical inequality and digital harm. However， the study also indicates that there is a differential capacity among groups to mitigate the negative effects of digital skills， with those in positions of advantage， such as highly educated and high income， being better able to buffer against the impact of digital harm. The study deepens the understanding of the negative effects of digital skills， and highlights the potential emergence of new inequalities characterized by a widening effect gap between digital benefit and digital harm. Therefore， compared to the previous digital divides， the third digital divide exhibits greater variability and complexity among different groups.

Key words: digital divide, digital skill, digital harm