Digital Inequality and Digital Literacy: The Way Forward

Abstract

Research in the digital inequality field originated from examining the disparities between those with access to digital resources and those without access. Ongoing investigations delve into areas where digital inequality manifests, seeking to identify the reasons behind these disparities and exploring ways to mitigate them. This study aims to comprehend the latest developments in digital inequality scholarship, including emerging themes, diverse approaches, focal points, and insights. The goal is to understand the current state of knowledge based on prior studies and discern a path forward. Conducted as a systematic literature review, this research specifically focuses on digital inequality and digital literacy scholarship. The examination emphasised post-Covid-19 pandemic conditions when digital platforms replaced physical interactions. Digital inequality research should move beyond a simplistic notion of the digital divide, focusing on the accessibility and usage of technology within particular population categories. Instead, stressing outcome-oriented digital initiatives is the way to progress and mitigate the digital inequalities that are highly intersectional. Digital literacy facilitates equity, which needs a contextual understanding and intersectional approach. Understanding the contextual factors influencing these trends could offer nuanced perspectives related to empowerment that it can bring. The patterns observed indicate a need for continued research to comprehensively address the multifaceted aspects of digital inequality and its implications on empowerment through digital literacy.