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Abstract This study examines the impact of internet usage frequency and behavior on social status discordance using CSS2021 data, and adopts a causal random forest model to test the heterogeneity of the impact of internet usage on social status discordance. The results reveal a clear inconsistency between objective and subjective social status among Chinese residents. In addition, increasing internet usage frequency can make actors more inclined to underestimate their social status. Moreover, capital enhancement through the internet significantly reduces the likelihood of status inflation. Finally, individuals with higher social status are less likely to have an upward bias in status cognition than those with lower social status when they use the internet frequently and use it for capital enhancement. These findings advance our understanding of social status identification among Chinese residents and provide different perspectives for studying social stratification in the digital age.

Abstract With the increasing pervasiveness of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the fabric of economic activities, the corporate digital divide has become a crucial issue for the assessment of Information Technology (IT) competencies and the digital gap between firms and territories. With little granular data available to measure the phenomenon, most studies have used survey data. To address this empirical gap, we scanned the homepages of 182,705 Italian companies and extracted ten characteristics related to their digital footprint to develop a new index for the corporate digital assessment. Our results show a significant digital divide between Italian companies according to size, sector and geographical location, opening new perspectives for monitoring and data-driven analysis.

This study seeks to analyze, through the perceptions of teachers, the impact of the digital divide and the relationship between educational inclusion and the use of ICTs in education. In line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 of the United Nations Agenda 2030, which promotes inclusive and quality education. The methodology used was quantitative, employing an ad hoc and validated Likert-type scale, to measure the perception of teachers in three dimensions: perception towards the effects of the digital divide in teaching, perception towards the inclusive use of technologies in the classroom and inclusive education practices in the classroom. A total of 790 teachers in service at the primary level in western Honduras participated. The results indicate that there is a limited perception of the effects of the digital divide among the participating teachers. Likewise, differences were found between the way in which older teachers perceive the inclusive integration of technologies in the classroom. In addition, the participating teachers' understanding of inclusive education practices is mainly theoretical. These findings indicate the existence of an opportunity to improve awareness and practical understanding of technology integration and inclusive strategies in the educational context.

The purpose of this study is to identify the opportunities and threats of digitalization, assess the impact of digital technologies on the socio-economic development of regions and assess the level of digital inequality in Russia. The theory of strategy and methodology of strategizing by academician V.L. Kvint is the theoretical and methodological basis of the study. According to the strategy methodology, the opportunities, and threats of the transition to digital technologies are determined at the level of individual regions and the country as a whole. The Theil index is used to assess the digital divide. The indicator by which inequality is assessed is the gross value added in the Information and Communications Activities sector. Let us decompose the Theil index into two components: intragroup and intergroup. Index estimates were obtained for the period 2016–2022. by constituent entities of the Russian Federation and by federa districts. It has been established that the digital divide is growing, and when considering federal districts, the intragroup component accounts for 80% of the regional variation in the indicator. A strong relationship was found between digital spending and the gross value added of the ICT industry. An OTSW analysis of the impact of digital technologies on the regional economy was carried out, the identified strategic opportunities are the basis for formulating strategic priorities, and strengths are the competitive advantages. The consistency of the regional development strategy with the strategic priorities of digitalization will make it possible to neutralize threats and take advantage of the opportunities of the digital economy for regional growth and development.

This article contains the result of a documentary research on the evolution throughout the 21st century of the state of the Knowledge Society (KS) in the MENA countries after the expansion of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) based on observations made since 2001 in research and publications developed in the Spanish, Latin American, Maghreb and Mashreq academic spheres. The aim is to detect the changes that have occurred in the degree of implementation of KS and its link to the right to information, communication, and cyberspace, and its management in these countries. After a theoretical and conceptual tour, it is concluded that the empowerment of ICT is the key resource for strengthening civil society and its access to the KS. In a region with an inestimable demographic potential, however, large gaps remain in terms of the access of citizens in these countries to the KS. As a result, there are social and political relationships of dependency that could lead to the qualification of a new colonialism over knowledge. This study concludes that the empowerment of ICTs is the key resource for strengthening civil society and its access to the KS.

The Covid-19 virus first discovered in February 2020 has defied borders by domesticating itself in all countries around the globe. Like in all other countries, the Covid-19 pandemic even though at first a health crisis has impacted all spheres of social life in the UAE from the economy to education as well as professions and their practices. The spread of infectious diseases is also known to live behind anxiety, fear, and general psychological distress among people. Government and health agencies in the UAE have embarked on public education and engagement to curb the spread of the virus as well as mitigate some of its adverse psychological consequences including anxiety and fear. The development of the Internet and new media has provided health authorities with channels for reaching out to the public on desirable health behavior. The discourse on digital divide for instance, has, among others, questioned technologically deterministic views about the novelty of the Internet by pointing at the divides or barriers it has created in society. While the UAE is reported to be the most digitally connected country in the MENA region in terms of the spread and access to Internet and broadband facilities thus overcoming the first level of digital divide, this study uses both focus group discussions and in-depth interviews to explore Internet and social media use patterns, and extent of reproduction of the second and third levels of digital divide among communities in the country during Covid-19 pandemic.

The Covid-19 pandemic led to the closure of schools and higher education institutions worldwide, necessitating a shift to distance learning. This transition had significant impacts on working conditions, education, the economy, and the environment. Access to infrastructure and information and communication technologies became crucial for students to continue their academic studies. However, marginalized communities in Israel faced additional challenges due to existing social gaps. This study focuses on Bedouin students in southern Israel attending higher education institutions and examines the difficulties they encountered during the transition to distance learning. Using a quantitative methodology, data were collected through an online questionnaire distributed to 257 Bedouin students during the first Covid-19 outbreak in Israel (April-July 2020). The research aimed to identify the types of digital divide experienced by Bedouin students and explore how this gap influenced their learning experiences. Results show that Bedouin students faced significant digital inequality, lacking the necessary prerequisites for distance learning, mainly due to limited access to digital devices and a stable Internet connection. These findings shed light on the specific challenges faced by the research population and emphasize the need to address these challenges to ensure equitable and inclusive education for all.

The present paper aims to investigate prisoners’ rights to use and access the Internet, focusing on the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). The study’s principal objective is to assess the fundamental rights aspects of Internet access, particularly within the context of relevant EU legislation, and to interpret how the digital divide impacts prisoners. The study primarily relies on a thorough review of pertinent literature and legal materials, and it incorporates case studies from Estonia, Lithuania and Türkiye to contextualize the literature findings within specific legal jurisdictions. The research findings suggest that prisoners’ Internet access should be evaluated in accordance with fundamental rights, including Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Regarding the digital divide, the study concludes that limiting prisoners’ access to the Internet could exacerbate the already existing societal gap, potentially hindering their reintegration into society. The particular focus on the above three countries stems from the fact that as per the precedent of the ECtHR, only four countries are involved in cases concerning restriction of access to the Internet (Estonia, Lithuania, Türkiye and Russia); however, Russia ceased to be a party of the European Convention on Human Rights, so analyzing the future of the issue of Internet acces there is highly limited. Our research contributes significantly to the literature on the digital divide, particularly in terms of its legal implications. The study’s comprehensive approach, which integrates both theoretical and practical aspects, is beneficial for domestic legal professionals and researchers engaged in interdisciplinary investigations of EU law and fundamental rights.

Despite the economic and societal benefits of digitalisation and digital transformation, it is necessary to map country's digital conditions and identify the digital divide to formulate an effective strategy. The digital divide should be measured periodically to monitor progress and determine continuous improvement. This paper identifies the current digital divide among provinces in Indonesia. The study uses the hierarchical agglomerative clustering method based on The Indonesian Digital Society Index data from the Ministry of Communication and Informatics. It also analyses some key factors of the digital divide based on data from the Indonesian Bureau of Statistics using the multiple linear regression model. The results show three types of the digital divide across Indonesian provinces related to access, usage, and outcomes of information and communication technology. Gross Regional Domestic Product per capita, Wage/Salary, Proportion of Formal Labor, and Size of the Working-Age Population are identified as factors significantly affecting the digital divide.

The objective of this article is to explore the issue of the digital divide and how we can bridge it to overcome the challenge of digital transformation. We will start by examining the key factors that contribute to the issue of the digital divide, which include economic factors, accessibility of infrastructure and technology, and also digital literacy. We will explore the strategies and initiatives that need to be implemented to address these challenges and promote digital inclusion. Based on our research, we have argued that bridging the digital divide is not only limited to social justice and equity but is also a key driver for achieving economic growth and innovation. We will focus on how important it is to ensure that every citizen can access digital services equally. Also, they should be trained with the skills to use it effectively. Public-private collaboration is essential for bridging the digital divide in government digital transformation. This study identifies key strategies and outcomes of such collaborations, emphasizing their role in enhancing digital access and service delivery. Findings underscore the importance of partnership models in fostering inclusive and effective digital governance. So, overall, this article will provide a comprehensive overview of the digital divide, its challenges, and how we can solve these problems to create opportunities that will add value to the country's progress.

El conocimiento relativo a las habilidades y uso de Internet permite proporcionar un enfoque multidimensional de la brecha digital y su abordaje segmentado social y territorialmente. Como parte de este esfuerzo académico, la búsqueda de un modelo explicativo de la apropiación de las TIC permite perfeccionar -entre otros- la aproximación teórica del fenómeno abordado desde la perspectiva de las diferencias inherentes a los usuarios y sus contextos socioterritoriales. Este estudio, tiene el objetivo de analizar la sensibilidad del modelo multifacético de acceso a Internet a los estratos socioeconómicos y tamaño de las localidades que componen la república mexicana. Estos intereses se examinarán empleando el método de análisis y validación de las ecuaciones estructurales aplicado a las respuestas de 2,400 individuos seleccionados a partir de 21,620 personas entrevistadas por la Encuesta Nacional sobre Disponibilidad y Uso de las Tecnologías de la Información en los Hogares de 2019. Los resultados confirmen que la accesibilidad y el uso de Internet son constructos multidimensionales de orden superior en un modelo conceptual multifacético de relaciones causales significativas. Con estos hallazgos, se adelanten conclusiones que caractericen constructos de sensibilidad diferenciada vis a vis de los estratos socioeconómicos y el tamaño de las localidades. Bajo esta perspectiva, la segmentación del usuario de las TIC por sus condiciones socioeconómicas y de ubicación territorial siguen siendo pertinentes para el uso provechoso de la Internet aun con la intensificación de la accesibilidad a estas herramientas y servicios. The knowledge related to the skills and use of the Internet allows us to provide a multidimensional approach to the digital divide and its socially and territorially segmented approach. As part of this academic effort, the search for an explanatory model of the appropriation of ICTs allows perfecting -among others- the theoretical approach of the phenomenon approached from the perspective of the differences inherent to the users and their socio-territorial contexts. This study has the objective of analyzing the sensitivity of the multifaceted model of Internet access to the socioeconomic strata and size of the localities of the Mexican Republic. Estos intereses se examinarán empleando el método de análisis y validación de las ecuaciones estructurales aplicado a las respuestas de 2,400 individuos seleccionados a partir de 21,620 personas entrevistadas por la Encuesta Nacional sobre Disponibilidad y Uso de las Tecnologías de la Información en los Hogares de 2019. The results confirm that Internet accessibility and use are multidimensional constructs of a higher order in a multifaceted conceptual model of significant causal relationships. With these findings, conclusions are drawn that characterize constructs of differentiated sensitivity vis-a-vis the socioeconomic strata and the size of the localities. Under this perspective, the segmentation of the ICT user by their socioeconomic conditions and territorial location continue to be relevant for the profitable use of the Internet even with the intensification of accessibility to these tools and services.

Abstract Background Understanding the role of smartphones to promote the health status of older adults is important in the digital society. Little is known about the effects of having smartphones on physical frailty despite its positive effect on the well-being of older adults. This study aimed to explore the association between smartphone ownership and frailty in community-dwelling older adults and its underlying mechanism. Methods We used data from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study and analyzed 2,469 older adults aged 72–86 years. Frailty, health literacy, and social support were assessed by Fried’s frailty phenotype, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System health literacy module, and the Enhancing Recovery in Coronary Heart Disease (ENRICHD) Social Support Instrument, respectively. The mediation model and moderated mediation model were estimated, where the mediator was health literacy and the moderator was social support, to explore the relationship between smartphone ownership and frailty. Results Of our study participants, 58.9% owned smartphones, and 10.9% were classified as frail. Smartphone ownership was negatively associated with frailty (β = −0.623, p

In a pervasive digitalised society, integrating digital technologies (DT) within educational environments has become imperative for nurturing effective educational outcomes. Given the widespread use of DT, educational institutions, including those in Islamic education, are increasingly valuing digital competence (DC), a comprehensive set of skills. However, there are significant gaps in the literature regarding the effective understanding and application of digital technologies in Islamic education, as well as a shortage of studies on DC in Islamic educational contexts. This paper, through a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature, underscores the urgency of bridging the digital divide in Islamic educational settings. It aims to provide an overview of the current state of digital competence in Islamic education, identify crucial areas for further investigations, and propose directions for future research works. It charts the future paths for research endeavours and offers insights into potential strategies for enhancing DC among educators and learners in Islamic educational environments.

Digital transformation (DT) has become essential for higher education institutions (HEIs), with its value becoming increasingly evident since the COVID-19 pandemic. This holds true for HEIs in developing countries as well, where DT is a strategic priority despite the challenges posed by the digital divide. Leadership is recognized as both a critical factor and a prerequisite for successful implementation of DT in HEI within such contexts. This study explored challenges and leadership responses that facilitate successful DT implementation in the context of Ghanaian HEIs. The study aims to offer insights for policymakers, administrators, and stakeholders within African HEIs, to facilitate the development of contextually relevant and effective DT strategies. Employing a qualitative multiple case study approach, data was collected through semi-structured interviews with senior administrators leading Open, Distance, and Digital Education (ODDE) implementation at three Ghanaian public universities. Thematic and content analysis were then used to analyze the interview data. The findings revealed that the universities were driven to pursue DT initiatives by both internal demands (e.g., to improve existing service delivery through technology) and external pressures to use the affordances of technology to increase access and participation through non-traditional learning modes. Despite facing structural, technological, and human resource challenges, the study observed positive signs of leadership-enabled DT initiatives to support post-COVID-19 efforts. However, these efforts have unfolded within a less coordinated policy climate and have been predominantly driven top-down, with Vice-Chancellors initiating and spearheading digital leadership responses. Meanwhile, there was little evidence of cross-cutting leadership across the universities to support DT efforts. The study concludes by arguing for the contextualisation of DT in higher education and offers suggestions for university leaders in Ghana and other relevant developing contexts to enhance their DT efforts.

BackgroundThe digital divide is the difference between individuals who use the Internet and those who do not. Under the triple social environment of urban–rural dichotomy, population aging, and the digital era in China, the existence of digital divide among rural older adults has seriously affected their access to health information through the Internet, so it is urgent to bridge the digital divide problem they face.MethodsBased on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory and Stress Coping Theory, the impact of cultural capital on the digital divide among rural older adults was systematically analyzed using hierarchical regression and Chained Mediation Effect Tests using data from the Chinese Family Panel Studies (CFPS).ResultsCultural capital has a significant positive effect on the digital divide among rural older adults (β = 0.178, p

This article aims to investigate whether the digital inequality within the European Union (EU) has been reduced in the period 2017–2022. The goal of the study is to measure the dynamics of EU digital inequality and assess the effectiveness of the EU supranational bodies in reducing digital disparities. The author seeks to determine if the dynamics of this divide have been influenced by the EU's supranational policy fostering digital transformation by juxtaposing EU financing of digital transformation and spatial disparities among EU members based on Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) and its components. The study reveals that, despite the fact that the agenda of digital divide reduction has been in the focus of the European supranational bodies within the last 22 years, the funding of digital transformation was neither adequate in terms of volumes nor consistent. The main beneficiaries were the EU members located in Western and Southern Europe and the least supported area was the members in Eastern Europe. In addition, using spatial econometric analysis, the author proves that the spatial digital divide has decreased in the period 2017–2022 and coincides only partially with the conventional cleavage “developed North & West VS lagging South & East”. However, as the correlation analysis shows, the EU financial support of digital transformation had a slight positive impact on countries’ DESI score, which implies that the EU supranational policy on curbing digital divide was only partially effective.

The expansion of the rural middle-income group has been a global focus as it contributes to narrowing income gaps and reducing social inequality. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), this study examines the impact of Internet use on the mobility of rural low-income groups to the middle-income group from the perspective of income mobility. Controlling for household and provincial-level variables, the results of this study indicate that Internet use significantly promotes the mobility of rural low-income groups to the middle-income group, thereby facilitating the expansion of the rural middle-income group. These conclusions hold even after conducting endogeneity and robustness tests. Mechanism analysis shows that household entrepreneurship and non-agricultural employment are crucial pathways through which Internet use facilitates the mobility of rural low-income groups to middle-income groups. Further investigation shows that mobility from rural low-income to middle-income groups is more difficult in central-western regions and among those with lower levels of education. Internet use exacerbates the “digital divide” between different areas and education groups. In particular, the effect of Internet use in promoting mobility from rural low-income to middle-income groups is more pronounced in the eastern regions and among those with higher levels of education. The results of this study provide new evidence on the role of Internet use in expanding the rural middle-income group.

Background: About 1.3 billion people around the world are living with disabilities, facing challenges such as premature death, mental conditions and other diseases. In South Africa, over 3.5 million people live with disabilities, making up about 6.6% of the total population. People with disabilities face numerous challenges of prejudice, and increasingly, digital exclusion is also becoming a concern. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the extent and challenges that People with disabilities (PwD) have in accessing digital technology, assess the level of the digital divide, and propose measures to narrow this gap. Data were collected using survey questions, and the target population were people with disabilities located in various districts of KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. Method: The study utilised a quantitative approach and analysed the findings using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: The results indicated that people with disabilities are marginalised and have limited or no access to technology. The research concludes that there needs to be a targeted approach towards assisting people with disabilities, and stakeholders involved need to combat the digital divide for disadvantaged individuals to promote positive social change. Conclusion: More needs to be done to increase society’s sensibilities towards people living with disabilities. Technology penetration seems to be a challenge and individuals with disabilities are left with a significant gap that needs to be addressed. Contribution: This article contributes to bridging the technology inequality for people with disabilities in historically disadvantaged societies.

In recent years, the concept of digitalization has gained increasing attention in the field of agriculture. The adoption of digital technologies such as sensors, drones, and precision farming tools has the potential to revolutionize how agricultural production is carried out, leading to increased efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. This study examines the current state of digitisation and the use of digital tools in agriculture among Hungarian farmers. The uptake of digitalisation has been slow, and more comprehensive policies and strategies are needed to improve progress. The study shows that while there are positive developments, such as the increasing use of precision technologies, there is still a lack of digital infrastructure and skills, as well as limited access to finance and information. The study concludes by making recommendations for policy makers, stakeholders and farmers to enhance the digitalisation of agriculture in Hungary.

The number of elderly people in the world is increasing. According to the World Population Prospects, by 2050, one in six people worldwide will be over 65. At the same time, the world has witnessed the increasing development of digital technology. This process has raised various concerns by human rights activists regarding the existence of bias and prejudices against the capabilities of older adults and, as a result, the lack of attention to their needs in digital literacy. On the other hand, the right to digital literacy has not been explicitly discussed in the framework of international human rights. In this regard, the Secretary General of the United Nations proposed preparing regulations to determine governments' obligations in the digital field. This proposal led to the presentation of the United Nations' recommendations in the age of digital interdependence. Which, despite the existence of some shortcomings, contains the international obligations of governments in the control and monitoring of digital technology. The main subject of this research is to investigate the attention of the recommendation to the right of the elderly to acquire digital literacy and reduce the digital divide in societies. This study used the analytical-descriptive method, using library and internet resources. The findings of this research show that due to the lack of clarity in referring to the right of the elderly to have digital literacy as an independent human right and also emphasising the need for public access to digital services, regardless of different economic and social conditions of the countries and presenting a proposal for the sharing of digital goods, irrespective of the intellectual property rights of the creators of these types of goods, the recommendation would not be successful in achieving its goals.

Digitalization is currently an objective reality that constantly changes the lives of both individuals and society as a whole. However, international forums, researches, and monographs on digitalization primarily focus on issues related to digitalization in the fields of security, technology, economy, and education, and to a much lesser extent – the field of culture. This is to a large extent due to the fact that the majority of society considers culture as a sector of secondary importance in societal development, rather than one of the main and equal spheres of vital activity of society. Based on the approach to managing the cultural sphere as a process of mass communication, the author has developed a theoretical and methodological construct – a model for managing the cultural sphere in the conditions of digitalization. Analysis of the digitalization process dynam ics of the cultural sphere in Russia and the author’s practical experience show that the main factors influencing the speed and quality of digital development today are digi tal divides that determine both technological aspects and aspects requiring evaluation and development the actors of social management competencies. The author introdu ces the concept of «digital frustration» into the research practice understood as a result of the second-level digital divide, which, together with physical, psychological, biological and social frustrations can lead society to a state of social anomie.

Abstract Objective A digital divide exists for people from rural and regional areas where they are less likely and confident to engage in digital health technologies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the digital health literacy and engagement of people from rural and regional communities, with a focus on identifying barriers and facilitators to using technology. Results Forty adults living in rural/regional areas completed a survey consisting of the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) with additional items surveying participants’ experience with a range of digital health technologies. All participants had used at least one digital health technology. Most (80%) participants had an eHEALS score of 26 or above indicating confidence in online health information. Commonly reported barriers to digital health technology use centred on product complexity and reliability, awareness of resources, lack of trust, and cost. Effective digital health technology use is becoming increasingly important, there may be a need to prioritise and support people with lower levels of digital health literacy. We present opportunities to support community members in using and accessing digital health technology.

We thank KnowledgePanel and Matthew DeBell of ANES for making available the information which respondents of the web survey had been furnished with free internet access. We acknowledge comments by Nicoletta Balbo, Valentina Rotondi, Luca Stella, the editorial team of Sociological Science (Ari Adut and an anonymous Deputy Editor), and participants of the 'Annual Conference of Experimental Sociology' (Florence) and the 'Akademie für Soziologie' meeting on 'Digital Societies.' Funding: This project received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation program (grant agreement no. 694262), project 'DisCont.'

Regional inequality significantly influences sustainable development and human well-being. In China, there exists pronounced regional disparities in economic and digital advancements; however, scant research delves into the interplay between them. By analyzing the economic development and digitalization gaps at regional and city levels in China, extending the original Cobb-Douglas production function, this study aims to evaluate the impact of digitalization on China’s regional inequality using seemingly unrelated regression. The results indicate a greater emphasis on digital inequality compared to economic disparity, with variable coefficients of 0.59 for GDP per capita and 0.92 for the digitalization index over the past four years. However, GDP per capita demonstrates higher spatial concentration than digitalization. Notably, both disparities have shown a gradual reduction in recent years. The southeastern region of the Hu Huanyong Line exhibits superior levels and rates of economic and digital advancement in contrast to the northwestern region. While digitalization propels economic growth, it yields a nuanced impact on achieving balanced regional development, encompassing both positive and negative facets. Our study highlights that the marginal utility of advancing digitalization is more pronounced in less developed regions, but only if the government invests in the digital infrastructure and education in these areas. This study’s methodology can be utilized for subsequent research, and our findings hold the potential to the government’s regional investment and policy-making.

Abstract The current research was carried out with the aim of explaining the effects of e-government benefits in order to continuously use e-government services among the citizens of Tehran, to help increase the use of e-government benefits by examining this effect and mediating factors involved in it. The current research philosophically follows the positivist paradigm and is based on the goal criterion in the applied-developmental research group and based on the criterion of the nature of data and the basis of quantitative research. The data collection tool is a standard questionnaire.Validity of the research tool based on Cronbach's alpha test for the e-government benefits questionnaire (0.75), intention to continuously use e-government services (0.73), citizens' trust (0.71), national culture (0.77), digital divide (0.79) has been confirmed, the statistical population of the research includes the citizens of Tehran. The sample size in this research is equal to 294 people using Sample Powell sampling software. The research data analysis tool is SPSS and AMOS statistical software.In order to determine the presence or absence of influence between variables and to estimate and generalize the results obtained from the sample size to the statistical population, a simple regression model with a hidden variable, a mediator model, and a path model have been used to evaluate the research hypotheses and the conceptual model of the research. The findings of the research indicated that the benefits of e-government have an effect on the intention to continuously use e-government services, and citizens' trust, national culture, and the digital divide have a partial mediating role in the effect of e-government benefits on the intention to continuously use e-government services.Introduction The e-government in Iran suffers from the lack of structural and executive development with the procedures that prevail in Western countries, which definitely national determination and the creation of a comprehensive plan in this direction can solve many problems in the twenty-year vision of the country. According to the mentioned cases, in the present research, an attempt has been made to investigate the effect of all-round factors to improve the use of e-government. Also, although there have been various investigations on the digital divide in past researches, it is necessary to plan this issue and the challenges related to it and its components in every nation in relation to other factors such as the national culture of that country, considering the conditions of that country and its citizens. to become clear.According to the main problem of the research, which is to explain the benefits of e-government for the willingness and intention of citizens to continuously use e-government services, the question raised in this research is: Are the benefits and services provided by e-government, considering the trust of citizens and despite the digital divide and Does national culture affect the intention to continuously use e-government services?Case study Citizens of TehranMaterials and Methods Philosophically, the current research follows the paradigm of utilitarianism, based on the goal criterion in the applied and developmental research group, based on the data collection time criterion in the cross-sectional research group, based on the nature of the data and the basis of quantitative and descriptive research, based on the characteristic criteria The research topic or problem of a correlation or concordance research, based on the criteria of the data collection method of a field research using the standardized questionnaire tool that was extracted from the theoretical literature review. The main data collection tool in this research is five questionnaires.In the current research, the standard questionnaire of Halil Kanineh and Luke Kanneh (2018) to examine national culture and e-government, the standard questionnaire of Van Dijk (2006) to examine the digital gap and e-government, and the standard questionnaire of the benefits of e-government by Gupta et al. 2018), as well as the standard questionnaire of the intention to use e-government services by Serana Sinaka et al. (2018) and the standard questionnaire of citizens' trust Ahono and Van Hu (2020). The spectrum used in the questionnaire of this research is a 5-point Likert scale. In order to analyze the data in this research, quantitative data analysis tools from SPSS and AMOS structural equation modeling and statistical software were used. The statistical population of the present study is the citizens of Tehran, the sample size in this study using Sample Power software is 294 people.Discussion and Results The result of the first hypothesis: the amount of influence of the independent variable on the dependent variable has been reported as 0.58, which is an effect with a suitable intensity, and its R2 coefficient is also equal to 0.33, which indicates that 33% of the variance of the dependent variable ( intention to continuously use e-government services) is explained by the independent variable (e-government benefits). In simpler words, 33% of the factor of the intention to continuously use e-government services is related to the variable of e-government benefits. Therefore, the benefits of e-government have an effect on the intention to continuously use e-government services, so the intention to continuously use e-government services can be predicted based on the benefits of e-government in the statistical population.The result of the second hypothesis: the direct and indirect effect of e-government benefits on the intention to continuously use e-government services is significant. The direct effect of e-government benefits on citizens' trust is significant. The direct effect of citizens' trust on the intention to continuously use e-government services is significant. In general, in this model, since both direct and indirect effects of e-government benefits on the intention to continuously use e-government services have been reported to be significant, it can be concluded that there is mediation and the variable of citizens' trust has a partial mediating role in the effect of e-government benefits on the intention to use It is continuous from e-government services, so the above hypothesis is confirmed.The result of the third hypothesis: the direct and indirect effect of e-government benefits on the intention to continuously use e-government services is significant. The direct impact of e-government benefits on national culture is significant. The direct effect of national culture on the intention to continuously use e-government services is significant. In this model, since both the direct and indirect effects of e-government benefits on the intention to continuously use e-government services have been reported to be significant, it can be concluded that there is mediation and the national culture variable has a partial mediating role in the effect of e-government benefits on the intention to use continuous of e-government services, so the above hypothesis is confirmed.The result of the fourth hypothesis: the direct and indirect effect of e-government benefits on the intention to continuously use e-government services is significant. The direct impact of e-government benefits on the digital divide is significant. The direct effect of the digital divide on the intention to continuously use e-government services is significant. In this model, since both direct and indirect effects of the benefits of e-government on the intention to continuously use e-government services are reported to be significant, it can be concluded that there is mediation and the gap variable Digital has a partial mediating role in the effect of e-government benefits on the intention to continuously use e-government services, so the above hypothesis is confirmed.Conclusionbenefits of e-government have an effect on the intention to continuously use e-government services, and citizens' trust, national culture, and the digital divide have a partial mediating role in the effect of e-government benefits on the intention to continuously use e-government services.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread restrictions globally, prompting governments to implement measures for containment. Vaccines, while aiding in reducing virus transmission, have also introduced the challenge of identifying vaccinated individuals for the purpose of easing restrictions. The European Union (EU) addressed this through the “digital COVID-19 certification” system, allowing citizens to travel within the EU based on their vaccination, recovery, or negative test status. However, the system’s digital format poses challenges for those who are not digitally proficient, such as seniors and those with low educational or socioeconomic status. This study aims to propose enhancements to the current system, considering the mobility needs of all citizens. The methodology involves reviewing literature on digital literacy, the digital divide, and information systems related to vaccination and certification. The paper presents straightforward recommendations to make the COVID-19 certificate more accessible to digitally excluded individuals. These proposals may serve as a valuable starting point for healthcare executives to evaluate and adapt the certification scheme to be inclusive of a broader range of stakeholders.

The present study aims to address the issue of digital platforms used during the post-pandemic period in academic education, starting from the premise that some of the digital teaching or learning methods and tools used during the pandemic period, which have proven their effectiveness and usefulness, have continued to be present in the didactic activity. The research carried out was focused on a sample consisting of 126 students and master's students, who were completing their psycho-pedagogical initial training program for the teaching career and who had the availability to respond to the opinion questionnaire, applied through a Google form. The results of the questionnaire highlighted some essential aspects regarding the platforms used in academic activity over the period that followed the pandemic and, at the same time, allowed the highlighting of some advantages, shortcomings of their integration in making learning more efficient.

Purpose: One of the crucial steps towards fully grasping the benefits of smartphone use for all is to explore the existence of a digital divide and its relationship to different outcomes of smartphone use. In so doing, this study explored the smartphone-related digital divide among South Korean older adults in terms of access, use and outcomes. Design/methodology/approach: In-person interviews using questionnaires were conducted to collect the data from a total number of 372 older adults aged 60 and above in eleven community centers in the Seoul Metropolitan area in Korea, 223 of whom owned a smartphone. Results: This study found that most participants use smartphones to communicate with personal relationships and support system. There were, however, differences among groups related to gender, age, and ICT training in terms of the extent of smartphone usage and participation in virtual communities. In three age groups of 60+, 70+ and 80+, a younger cohort and those with ICT training had higher smartphone literacy, harnessing the potential of smartphones. Those who used smartphones to stay connected to their social group and for entertainment showed a lower level of loneliness. Conclusion: This study shows that older adults (i.e., 60+) are not a homogenous group when it comes to using smartphones. There are distinct differences in older smartphone users, especially in the age groups 60+, 70+ and 80+. Older adults should be encouraged to use smartphones for better connectivity with their social groups and entertainment, potentially decreasing their feeling of loneliness.

This scholarly inquiry undertakes an examination of the enduring discourse surrounding technological determinism and its profound influence on the trajectory of cultural change. Within this multifaceted discourse, the study places a central emphasis on the transformative potential of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), and their implications for cultural evolution and the preservation of human identity. Furthermore, this analysis extends its purview to consider the ethical dimensions inherent in the deployment of AI and the critical role played by cultural diversity in the ethical assessment of these technologies. Drawing on seminal works within the field, the discussion grapples with the conceptualization of technological determinism, echoing the insights of scholars such as Winner and McLuhan. While proponents of technological determinism posit that emerging technologies, such as AI, act as agents of cultural transformation, their perspectives are juxtaposed against those who perceive a perilous erosion of cultural diversity. In this context, the study critically engages with Winner's "Autonomous Technology" to elucidate the socio-political ramifications of technological determinism, underscoring the need for a balanced ethical assessment. Ethical considerations applied to AI occupy a prominent place in this discourse. Cognizant of the transformative power of AI, scholars such as Bostrom and Floridi have probed into the ethical dimensions of AI deployment. The study reflects on their findings, highlighting the imperative of ethical vigilance in the development and application of AI technologies. It contends that ethical assessments of AI must be inherently bound to the preservation and enhancement of cultural diversity, thereby ensuring the equitable distribution of AI's benefits. This analysis further delves into the existing digital divide and its intricate interplay with the ethical evaluation of AI. It acknowledges the sobering reality that unequal access to technology exacerbates social disparities. As articulated by DiMaggio and Hargittai, the digital divide reinforces existing inequities, underscoring the ethical imperative of addressing access disparities in the deployment of AI. In conclusion, this study advances a nuanced understanding of technological determinism's role in cultural evolution and the pivotal importance of cultural diversity in the ethical evaluation of AI. It underscores the ethical duty to mitigate disparities in access to technology, thereby ensuring a more equitable and culturally diverse future in the age of AI.

Abstract Background It is of great practical significance to study the intrinsic relationship between cultural capital, digital divide, cognitive ability, and health of older adults in the dual social context of population aging and the digital era. Methods We analyzed data from the 2020 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) initiated by the China Center for Social Science Surveys at Peking University. Physical health, mental health, and memory health were set as indicators of older adults, and the relationship between cultural capital, digital divide, cognitive ability, and health of older adults was examined by hierarchical regression with moderated mediated effect methods. Results Improvement in the health of older adults is associated with an increase in the level of cultural capital; cultural capital may bridge the digital divide faced by older adults, which in turn promotes the improvement of the health of older adults; the higher the level of cognitive ability, the stronger the effect of cultural capital on the digital divide, and at the same time, the stronger the mediating effect of the digital divide; cultural capital has a more pronounced effect on the health of older male adults living in the city. Conclusions The results of the study show that cultural capital can have a positive impact on the health of older adults, but there is urban-rural heterogeneity and gender heterogeneity, in which the digital divide plays a mediating role, and the enhancement of the cognitive ability of older adults will be conducive to the improvement of their health, so the health of older adults should be promoted by improving the level of their cultural capital and the ability of older adults to use digital technology, thus provide references for the protection of health of older adults.

Objectives With the sudden global shift to online learning modalities, this study aimed to understand the unique challenges and experiences of emergency remote teaching (ERT) in nursing education. Methods We conducted a comprehensive online international cross-sectional survey to capture the current state and firsthand experiences of ERT in the nursing discipline. Our analytical methods included a combination of traditional statistical analysis, advanced natural language processing techniques, latent Dirichlet allocation using Python, and a thorough qualitative assessment of feedback from open-ended questions. Results We received responses from 328 nursing educators from 18 different countries. The data revealed generally positive satisfaction levels, strong technological self-efficacy, and significant support from their institutions. Notably, the characteristics of professors, such as age (p = 0.02) and position (p = 0.03), influenced satisfaction levels. The ERT experience varied significantly by country, as evidenced by satisfaction (p = 0.05), delivery (p = 0.001), teacher-student interaction (p = 0.04), and willingness to use ERT in the future (p = 0.04). However, concerns were raised about the depth of content, the transition to online delivery, teacher-student interaction, and the technology gap. Conclusions Our findings can help advance nursing education. Nevertheless, collaborative efforts from all stakeholders are essential to address current challenges, achieve digital equity, and develop a standardized curriculum for nursing education.

Abstract Background The National Health Service (NHS) and general practice are increasingly adopting digital services. These services can impact both positively and negatively upon patient experiences, and access to digital services is not equal amongst all groups. Within a wider project examining digital facilitation (the Di-Facto study) our team conducted a patient survey amongst English primary care practices aiming to investigate patient views of what supports uptake and use of web-based services. This paper reports on the analysis of the free-text responses from the patient survey. Methods The Di-Facto patient survey was distributed to practices in eight clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in England between 2021–2022. We examined free-text responses to two questions relating to access to primary care web-based and support for web-based services. We used qualitative reflexive thematic analysis based on a six-stage process to analyse responses. Results Of the 3051 patients who responded to the Di-Facto survey, 2246 provided a free-text response. We present our findings in two major themes: systems and structures and their impact on use of web-based services, and ‘what works for me’, a description of how respondents described what worked, or did not work in terms of their interactions with web-based services. Respondents described how the technology, such as poor practice website design, confusion over multiple digital apps, data security and concerns about eConsultation offerings impacted on use of web-based services. Respondents described practice level barriers, such as a lack of or inconsistent provision, which prevented optimal use of web-based services. Respondents described personal and technical barriers that impacted on their use of digital services, and described which web-based services worked well for them. Respondents felt that web-based services were not a replacement for face-to-face interactions with a doctor. Conclusions This analysis of free-text responses from a large patient survey highlights the system, practice, and person level barriers and facilitators to use of digital services in primary care. With an increasing push towards digital solutions in NHS primary care, practices should consider the design, rollout and communication of their web-based services to support patient access.

This study investigates gender gaps in digital skills among youth (15–24 years old) in 32 low- and middle-income economies using data from UNICEF-supported and internationally comparable Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS). Utilizing a household fixed effects approach, we aim to isolate gender-based disparities from household-level variations. The intra-household analysis reveals significant inequalities, with biases against young women in possessing digital skills, including the very basic ones. Supplementary analysis using a mixed-effects model, which accounts separately for within- and between-household variation, highlights that wealthier households exhibit larger gender gaps in digital skills, disadvantaging young women primarily due to a floor effect in the poorest households. The paper concludes with policy implications aimed at reducing gender gaps in digital skills.

Cyberbullying has become one of the misconducts among the youth due to an increased use of the internet in the educational context. The bibliometric analysis was carried out to determine the global trends in the evolution of cyberbullying among the youth in higher learning institutions (HLIs). The analysis involved 1073 research articles published between 2008 and 2022 retrieved from the Dimensions scientific database. The VOSviewer 1.6.20 software was used to establish visualisation networks. The results indicate a rapid growth of research articles on cyberbullying from 2019 to 2022, where most HLIs migrated to virtual teaching due to the outbreak of COVID-19. The developed countries had high rates of research publications and strong collaboration patterns in cyberbullying. The results also indicate factors such as harsh parenting and moral disengagement to be the causes of cyberbullying. The analysis shows that publications on cyberbullying from developing countries are very low compared with their developed counterparts. Examining the trends in cyberbullying among youth in HLIs offers new insights into the prevalence, forms, and concerns of cyberbullying within this specific population of HLIs. This study enhances our understanding of cyberbullying consequences and broadens our knowledge about how increased autonomy among youth in using technology immorally can fasten the growth of cyberbullying in HLIs. This study informs the development of appropriate intervention strategies within HLIs that promote digital safety and citizenship. HLIs can also utilise the findings to develop rules and regulations that address cyberbullying within their institutions. Conducting a systematic review of the effective prevention and intervention strategies on cyberbullying employed by HLIs in different contexts may provide more insights into shaping youth in promoting digital safety.

Resumen: La transformación digital es una realidad. Afecta a los procesos de las organizaciones y también desarrolla servicios para los usuarios. Esta innovación debe seguir las directrices de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) para todas las personas, en todas las partes del mundo. Tener en cuenta los determinantes sociales de salud (DSS) y considerar los nuevos determinantes digitales en salud (DDS) es básico. También lo es disponer de una legislación adecuada y dotar a las infraestructuras necesarias. La tecnología permite un mejor autocuidado y participación en la toma de decisiones. Por ello, es necesario disminuir la brecha digital y la mejor forma de hacerlo consiste en contar con los ciudadanos, las comunidades, las entidades y los profesionales en el diseño de soluciones. Las campañas nacionales y supranacionales deben desarrollar planes y estrategias comunes. Esto conlleva unas necesidades de formación y creación de programas para profesionales y usuarios, que deberían contemplar sus necesidades y remarcar la importancia de incorporar conocimientos digitales. Abstract: In the last years, the digital transformation, has become a reality influencing organizational processes and advancing services for users. This transformation must align with WHO guidelines, addressing the needs of individuals globally and acknowledging Social Determinants of Health and emerging Digital Determinants of Health and the digital divide thas has been created. To accomplish this, the appropriate legislation and infrastructures are required. Correspondingly technology enables enhanced self-care and increased participation in decision-making across various levels, consequently, addressing the digital divide must not be an exception, and needs to include citizens, communities, entities, and professionals to work on how to diminish it and solve it. As a result of this national and supranational campaigns should formulate unified plans and strategies, that include training requirements and establishing programs for both professionals and users, highlighting the significance of incorporating digital knowledge on both groups.

This article examines the relationship between digital proficiency, trust in service providers, and the intention to use digital health care and social welfare services among prisoners and people with mental health conditions in Finland. Based on cross-sectional data, which includes responses from 225 prisoners and 120 people with mental health conditions between September 2020 and May 2021, a study utilizing latent profile analysis (LPA) reveals that although high digital skills were observed, trust in providers of digital services within the health care and social welfare sector remained low, particularly among younger participants. Despite trust issues, the intention to use digital services remained high, particularly among inmates. This suggests that trust is not the sole factor influencing digital service adoption; age and perceived digital competence also play significant roles. Prisoners demonstrated higher levels of advanced internet skills than individuals with mental health backgrounds, possibly due to overestimating their abilities. Alternative approaches, such as social support and hands-on learning, are vital for enhancing digital skills in socially marginalized groups. Understanding these determinants can guide policymakers and practitioners in developing targeted interventions to promote digital inclusion effectively by considering broadly the factors that promote the accessibility of digital health care and social welfare services. Future research combining objective proficiency testing and self-reported data can offer deeper insights for more successful strategies.

IntroductionMobile health apps risk widening health disparities if they overlook digital inclusion. The digital divide, encompassing access, familiarity, and readiness, poses a significant barrier to medical interventions. Existing literature lacks exploration of the digital divide's contributing factors. Hence, data are needed to comprehend the challenges in developing inclusive health apps.MethodsWe created a survey to gauge internet and smartphone access, smartphone familiarity, and readiness for using mobile health apps among caregivers of pediatric patients in tertiary care. Open-ended questions solicited feedback and suggestions on mobile health applications. Responses were categorized by similarity and compared. Developed with patient partners, the survey underwent cognitive testing and piloting for accuracy.ResultsData from 209 respondents showed that 23% were affected by the digital divide, mainly due to unfamiliarity with digital skills. Among 49 short text responses about health app concerns, 31 mentioned security and confidentiality, with 7 mentioning the impersonal nature of such apps. Desired features included messaging healthcare providers, scheduling, task reminders, and simplicity.ConclusionsThis study underscores a digital divide among caregivers of pediatric patients, with nearly a quarter affected primarily due to a lack of digital comfort. Respondents emphasized user-friendliness and online security for health apps. Future apps should prioritize digital inclusion by addressing the significant barriers and carefully considering patient and family concerns.

Background: South African academic libraries are spending large amounts of money annually to provide users access to e-books. In many of the South African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) undergraduate students form the largest part of the institutional cohort. It is therefore crucial to understand what factors influence the optimal use of e-books by undergraduate students and what possible interventions can be applied to ensure optimum use. Objectives: This article aims to identify the main factors that prevent the optimal use of e-books by undergraduate students at a South African university. Method: For this study, pragmatism was used as the philosophical paradigm, with sequential mixed methods using questionnaires and focus groups. Results: The findings of this study revealed that while e-books can be regarded as an accepted source of information among undergraduate students, there are still several barriers impacting the optimal use of e-books by undergraduate students. Conclusion: This study identified five significant barriers that negatively influence the optimal use of e-books and provides possible solutions to improve the usage of e-books. Contribution: The results of this study will contribute towards the lack of information available on the usage of e-books in the South African context.

This research aims to find out the factors affecting the adoption of Metaverse in healthcare. This study explores the effect of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and trust on adopting Metaverse in healthcare by keeping digital division and metaculture as moderating variables. The philosophical foundation is rooted in the positivism paradigm, the methodology is quantitative, and the approach used is deductive. Data was collected in Pakistan and China through judgmental sampling from 384 respondents. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the collected data. The findings validate the relationship between perceived ease of use and the adoption of metaverse with β-value 0.236, t-value 5.207 and p-value 0.000, the relationship between perceived usefulness and the adoption of metaverse with β-value 0.233, t-value 4.017 and p-value 0.000, and the relationship between trust and adoption of a metaverse with β-value 0.192, t-value 3.589 and p-value 0.000. Results also show that the digital divide moderates the relation between perceived ease of use and adopting the metaverse having β-value 0.078, t-value 1.848 and p-value 0.032. Similarly, the findings also show that the digital divide does not moderate the relationships of perceived usefulness and trust with adopting the metaverse. Moreover, the meta culture also does not moderate the relationships of perceived ease of use, usefulness, and trust with adopting the metaverse. The study contributes to theoretical research on adopting a metaverse in healthcare by examining various factors necessary for its development. It also provides guidelines for the developers and adopters of suitable metaverse technology.

Teachers' competence in information and communication technology (ICT) applications can lead to a deeper integration of technology into the curriculum and improve the quality of education. However, its application and distribution issues could result in resource inequality and social injustice. Based on the ICT competency framework for teachers, the study investigates the variables influencing teachers' ICT competency. A prediction model of teachers' ICT competency is built using empirical data from secondary school teachers in Hebei Province, China, both in urban and rural settings. The study results show that a new digital divide does exist between urban and rural teachers and that differences in digital environment and digital literacy reflecting the new digital divide have different degrees of impact on teachers' ICT competence. Age and subject also affect teachers' ICT competence. In the new era, we can start with knowledge acquisition, knowledge deepening and knowledge creation to improve teachers' ICT competence.

Introduction: Although health systems increasingly integrate social needs screening and referrals into routine care, the effectiveness of these interventions and for whom they work remains unclear. Methods: Patients (N=4,608) seen in the emergency department were screened for social needs (e.g., transportation, housing, food) and offered an opportunity to receive outreach from community service specialists. Results: Among 453 patients with 1 or more social needs who requested assistance, outreach specialists connected with 95 (21.0%). Patients preferred to be contacted through their telephone (n=21, 60.2%), email (n=126, 28.0%), someone else's telephone (n=30, 6.7%), or first by telephone followed by email (n=23, 5.1%). Preferred contact method varied by patient age; endorsement of unmet transportation, housing, and utility needs; receipt of service outreach; and differences in emergency department utilization from the 6 months before the index visit to the 6 months after. Conclusions: Because limited access to a stable telephone or internet connection may prevent patients from connecting with resource referrals, social needs interventions may not benefit the most underserved populations who are at the highest risk of negative health outcomes. Future research should investigate whether communication preferences are an important indicator of needs and how to adapt social needs screening and referral processes so that they are more accessible to populations who may experience more frequent disruptions in methods utilized for digital communication.

Objective The digital divide is the gap between those who can access and use digital media and those who do not have easy access to it. Distance education started in dentistry education and all activities and applications conducted online during COVID-19 outbreak. However, the possible effects of the digital divide on learning processes were ignored in this process. This study aims to investigate how the digital divide effects disadvantaged dental health students’ preferences during COVID-19. Method We used a mixed method to investigate the results of the Likert-type items and open-ended questions. The study group who requires clinical training and has difficulties reaching the Internet and personal devices was selected as Oral and Dental Health students to investigate their preferences and opinions towards distance education and face-to-face education. Results The results showed the students, who require clinical skills in their education and are disadvantaged in terms of Internet and computer access, cannot embrace distance education. They are worried about finding a job after graduation due to the limited application of clinical skills. The most important positive aspect of distance education that its contribution to a feeling of safety and contributions to students’ economic situation. The most negative aspects of distance education are its difficulties for disadvantaged students and its limitations for clinical applications. Students suggested that interactions in synchronous lectures and the use of visual demonstrations should be increased. Conclusion In possible future pandemic and lockdown situations, educational institutions need to identify the digital divide between their students. Distance education requires good planning, training of instructors, and distribution of pre-class activities or offline materials for the students who have difficulties reaching Internet and computer access.

Digital inclusion involves the provision of equitable access to Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) to all persons for them to participate in socio-economic activities such as accessing financial services and products, education and employment. This article provides an overview of the regulation of digital inclusion in the South African ICT sector by examining the Electronic Communications Act 36 of 2005, the Independent Communication Authority of South Africa Act 13 of 2000 and the Competition Act 89 of 1998. The article also investigates the legal and related challenges that affect the promotion of digital inclusion for the poor and low-income earners in South Africa. Challenges affecting the promotion of digital inclusion in South Africa such as racial segregation, digital illiteracy, language barriers, disability, geographical limitation, poverty, low-income and affordability are discussed. This is done to recommend possible measures that could be adopted by policymakers and the relevant regulatory bodies to enhance the promotion of digital inclusion for the poor and low-income earners in South Africa.

The examination of sports performance in relation to various macroeconomic variables has long occupied researchers in the field of sports economics. Similar interest surrounds esports, which has become one of the fastest developing types of "new media" in recent years. In esports, as well as in the video game industry besides creative content production, technology and digitization play a decisive role. In our research, we draw a parallel between digitization, the economy and sports performance in an area researched by relatively few. Based on the Digital Society and Economy Composite Index (DESI) published annually by the European Commission, we examine the digitization of the Member States of the European Union and whether a link can be found between esports performance and the digital development of each Member State. In the first part of the research cluster analysis was used in order to map the pattern of digital development across the EU, where four main direction was found, based on which four groups, namely “digital winners”, “digital laggards”, “technology-“ and “user focused” states were identified. After which regression analysis was used in order to examine whether digital development has any effect on esports performance.

The goal of this paper is to examine COVID-19 potential long-run effects on income inequality, seeking answers in the wider context of inequality sources and foregoing evidence from industrialised countries. Thus, the phenomena that existed prior to the pandemic but, due to its impact, may accelerate the process of growing income inequality in the long term, must be identified. Since left unchecked, growing disparities may lead to long-lasting negative effects and forming a kind of vicious cycle, the article also seeks to present general policy proposals that possibly can mitigate disparities. According to the hypothesis, the ongoing structural transformation triggered by the pandemic can act as a catalyst for the further dynamics of increasing inequality. What has been identified as the most important drivers of inequality is digital divide, as well as automation and robotization having significant impact on the world of work.

Technological advancement has not been equally distributed. It has differed from country to country, region to region, and even among individuals. As a result, the digital divide has emerged as an umbrella term to represent these disparities. Recently, the research focus has shifted to the outcomes of information and communication technology usage or tangible benefits (the third-level digital divide). As an emerging economy, Türkiye must overcome the digital divide to maximise tangible benefits. Thus, this research starts by determining the digital divide indicators for Türkiye and goes further to examine the digital divide between regions in Türkiye. The main aim is to present a comprehensive index for the regional scale that is currently missing in the literature. To do so, this research starts with exploring the digital divide indicators. Then, with the help of principal component analysis (PCA), a new index is formulated for Türkiye. The result maps indicate digital inequalities both at regional and city scales, yet inequalities are more remarkable at the city scale. Increasing the diversity of technology usage, focusing on gender equality, expanding R&D expenditures, and supporting initiatives, especially ICT initiatives, will assist Türkiye in reducing digital inequalities.

E-government has been, for the past 20 years, one of the main fields of study for researchers following transformation in the public administration systems, the most important and visible one after the New Public Management. Since 2001, many papers have tried to establish o list of stages one should follow in order to observe the process a public organization goes through in its journey to digitalizing public services. This paper will review four of the most important and universally accepted models, from the Layneand Lee (2001) complex model, to the Gartner (Baum & DiMaio, 2000) specific one, in order to decide which one best applies in practice and can actually be used to analyse a public organization and its pro-cess towards digitalization, and which ones apply better to the general public system, like the one pro-posed by Moon (2002). In order to have a specific example and apply the theoretical models in practice, this paper will be presenting the case of the public pension system in Romania, through its local Houses of Public Pensions and their level of digitalization, when it comes to public services and public interaction with people who benefit from their services. I will begin by presenting the context in which e-government appeared and why is it so important in the development of any public administration of the 21stcentury, the main differences between the stage models mentioned above, and the arguments presented for applying one of them in our current study, followed by the methodology used to observe the characteristics of the digitalization process in the Public House of Pension of Brasov city, Romania. The results of the study will be applied on the stages mentioned above in order to determine which stage are we currently talking about and how well the model can be applied in practice.

Digital transformation of socio-economic processes is the basis for sustainable development of regions in the digital age. The foundation for such a transformation is the information and communication infrastructure and, first of all, the mobile Internet. The technological growth of mobile networks has provided a rapid increase in the number of users around the world, contributing to further digitalization. With the development of digital technologies, research in the field of human geography has received a new impetus. The impact of the Internet on all spheres of life has necessitated a rethinking of the existing geographical approaches to the study of physical space and the emergence of a new object of research — digital space. On the one hand, the latter is closely connected with traditional institutions and systems. On the other hand, it is characterized by its own patterns of construction and functioning. The problem of delimiting the boundaries of cyberspace makes it difficult to manage digital processes taking into account territorially determined needs and interests, while the current socio-economic unevenness of regional development results in the digital divide. Border regions, maneuvering within the dichotomy of ‘frontier — integration bridge’ models, can gain additional benefits from the development of digital infrastructure in the context of realizing their integration potential. This article assesses the geography of the mobile internet in Russia and its connection with the development of border regions. The authors use geo-information, statistical, and econometric analyses to assess the impact of mobile technologies on interregional information transfer, commodity-money flows, and migration. The study demonstrates the diversity in the availability of mobile internet access among residents in various categories of border and interior regions. Furthermore, the research establishes a link between the quantity of transmitted digital data, the import-export of goods and services, international migration, and two key metrics: the accessibility of 4G mobile internet and the number of mobile subscribers. The article pinpoints specific border regions within the Russian Federation, including Krasnodar Krai, Leningrad, Kaliningrad, Novosibirsk, Smolensk, Rostov, Chelyabinsk, Voronezh, Samara, and Kursk regions. These regions exhibit pronounced potential for executing integration functions through the advancement of digital technologies, particularly under favourable geopolitical conditions.

Purpose – In the last few decades, the growth in management institutions in India has become significant. The Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institutions also have started offering management programmes at various levels. In the ODL scenario, the learning path has been shifting from the traditional Self-Learning Material (SLM) -based model to technology-mediated platform. The digital divide in India is also a widely discussed area. In this context, a need has been felt to understand the implications for educators, more specifically, for the programmes offered through technology-enabled ODL mode. Design/methodology/approach – This study uses triangulation method covering literature review, personal interview and survey. Primary data have been collected through structured questionnaire in the Google Form administered on the learners of UG and PG progammes of management in Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU), India. The sample size is 101, and the sampling frame is within Assam, a province of India. Select interviews (15 nos.) were also conducted with a cross section of learners to capture the emerging shift in the learning path and the limiting factors of digital divide. Findings – Learners possess multiple digital devices for e-learning (41.8% uses laptop and 88.8% uses android phone). Interaction in WhatsApp and Telegram groups are mostly related with evaluation and course administration, rather than content and academic discussion. eSLMs are widely used. Though promoted, video lectures are not widely used. Some of the problems faced by the learners are low bandwidth, high cost of data subscription etc. Learners are not constrained by digital device, and they are engaged in positive communication with stake holders in digital platform. Originality/value – This study will help in understanding the technology-enabled learning for management education in ODL mode in India. As a wide majority of the learners (88%) are dependent on small screen; print SLM and eSLM on a larger screen can provide augmented learning in case of complex topics like analysis of financial statements, project scheduling etc. Though the COVID-19 pandemic forced a shift in learning path, the transition is not full. The digitally constrained learners still look for solutions to complex learning problems mainly through print SLM and counselling. The talent of the students cannot be facilitated in WhatsApp and Telegram e-mentoring groups, like the way it could be done in learning management system (LMS)-mediated platforms.

The pervasive penetration of the smartphone has disproportionately affected adolescents and youth more than any other sociodemographic group. Inspired by the conceptual framework of the digital divide in internet use, this research aims to interrogate the multi-dimensional aspects of disparities in smartphone use among teens in China. Measurement was developed to assess the first-, second-, and third-level divide as manifested in smartphone access and engagement in a variety of activities, different skill sets, and myriad outcomes and consequences. Results from a cross-sectional survey of 1,511 at-school teens show various patterns of divide along the lines of age, gender, and rural/mid-sized-city/metropolitan location.