Bridging the global digital divide through digital inclusion: the role of ICT access and ICT use

Abstract

Purpose In an increasingly digitalised society, digital participation is reliant on information communication technology (ICT) access and the ability to use technologies for everyday tasks. To this end, people risk being digitally excluded if they cannot access and use ICTs. The purpose of this paper is to examine globally the effects of ICT access and ICT use on digital inclusion on one hand and the mediating role of ICT usage on the linkage between ICT access and digital inclusion on the other. Design/methodology/approach The study used a hypothesized model based on structuration theory and secondary data drawn from multiple archival sources in 121 countries. The authors test the model using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Findings The results from the PLS analysis shows that while ICT usage significantly influences digital inclusion at the global level, ICT access does not. Furthermore, the mediating role of ICT usage was not supported. Originality/value This study to the best of the authors’ knowledge is one of the very few studies to examine the effects of ICT access and ICT use on digital inclusion at the global level. The study contributes to the discourse on digital inclusion in ICT4D research.

Limitations on Digital Communication in Malaysia: Concept Paper

“…Hence, this shows individual efforts and personality will be the challenges in adapting digital communication. Forth article by Adam & Alhassan (2021) focuses on 121 nations' hypothetical model based on structuration theory and secondary evidence from several archive sources that focus on examining globally the effects of information communication technology (ICT) access and use on digital inclusion. The studies indicate that, it will not be enough to just provide individuals with access to ICT in order to influence or enhance their use.…”

“…Based on a report from International Telecommunication Union, it is estimated about 53.6% of the world's population (equivalent to 4.1 billion people) were reported to be using the internet in 2019. As people from developing countries have gained access to digital technology through various means such as lower mobile prices, increase in community-based ICT centers, there exists a digital divide between those who have access and those that cannot despite the pace of innovation (Adam & Alhassan, 2021). Further explained from Adam and Alhassan (2021), there are several benefits that can be achieved by reducing the divide such as personal and professional growth, easier access to knowledge, connecting with family and friend and also accessing daily services.…”

“…As people from developing countries have gained access to digital technology through various means such as lower mobile prices, increase in community-based ICT centers, there exists a digital divide between those who have access and those that cannot despite the pace of innovation (Adam & Alhassan, 2021). Further explained from Adam and Alhassan (2021), there are several benefits that can be achieved by reducing the divide such as personal and professional growth, easier access to knowledge, connecting with family and friend and also accessing daily services. However, we have to recognize there are several challenges in digital communication and one of the significant concerns are those related to ethics.…”

The Legal Uncertainty Aspect of the Regulatory Approach Regarding Online Content Moderation

“…During the research several challenges were raised concerning the successful deployment of the IMMERSE platform with researchers outlining the need to be sensitive to issues of cultural diversity, digital positioning, researcher bias, eurocentrism, and inclusivity. One challenge raised concerns the fact that not all individuals have equal access to technology and usage depends on several factors including, but not exclusive to, age, socio-economic status, and gender, known in the literature as the digital divide (Alam & Imran, 2015;Adam, & Alhassan, 2020). To overcome this hindrance, researchers in the project suggest state run digital training courses for all migrants and service providers, as well as inbuilt courses on the ICT solution itself.…”

Spatiotemporal investigation of the digital divide, the case study of Iranian Provinces

“…This issue gradually spread to other nations. The disparity in access to or utilization of ICT devices, as measured by the number of telephone lines per person, Internet users, or mobile phone users, deepens the gap between emerging and developing nations, particularly when new aspects of technology arise (Adam et al, 2021 ). In this regard, cases of lack of access to online resources for minorities, the elderly, low-income people, people with low levels of education, and people with disabilities have been identified.…”