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<p>The Fourth Industrial Revolution, with advancements in digitalization, AI, robotics, and the Internet of Things, presents both benefits and challenges, whereas socio-economic disparities have been particularly intensified in emerging economies like Pakistan. This study critically&#xa0;examines the digital divide in Pakistan, focusing on structural barriers such as limited access to technology, inadequate digital literacy, and socio-cultural constraints that hinder equitable participation in the digital economy and further&#xa0;exacerbate inequalities. Despite growing concern and policy attention,&#xa0;digital disparities persist due to factors such as rural–urban differences&#xa0;in access, gender gaps, and motivational barriers. We have used data from 304 participants&#xa0;and employed PLS-SEM to understand the intricate relationship between physical access, technology infrastructure, motivational constraints, and internet usage outcomes. Findings reveal that gender norms, affordability, and digital literacy significantly shape online engagement, with women being disproportionately affected. This study contributes to the existing literature by integrating Van Dijk’s Resource Appropriation Theory to explain how disparities in digital resources translate into socio-economic inequalities. It offers new empirical evidence on digital inclusion in Pakistan and proposes targeted policy interventions to promote digital equity. The findings stress the urgency of government-led digital literacy initiatives, infrastructural investments, and gender-sensitive policies to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive growth in the digital era.</p>

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Getting Around the Digital Horizon: Recognizing Multifaceted Digital Divide among University Students in Pakistan

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月10日

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  • Areeba Butt,
  • Mamona Sadaf

摘要

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, with advancements in digitalization, AI, robotics, and the Internet of Things, presents both benefits and challenges, whereas socio-economic disparities have been particularly intensified in emerging economies like Pakistan. This study critically examines the digital divide in Pakistan, focusing on structural barriers such as limited access to technology, inadequate digital literacy, and socio-cultural constraints that hinder equitable participation in the digital economy and further exacerbate inequalities. Despite growing concern and policy attention, digital disparities persist due to factors such as rural–urban differences in access, gender gaps, and motivational barriers. We have used data from 304 participants and employed PLS-SEM to understand the intricate relationship between physical access, technology infrastructure, motivational constraints, and internet usage outcomes. Findings reveal that gender norms, affordability, and digital literacy significantly shape online engagement, with women being disproportionately affected. This study contributes to the existing literature by integrating Van Dijk’s Resource Appropriation Theory to explain how disparities in digital resources translate into socio-economic inequalities. It offers new empirical evidence on digital inclusion in Pakistan and proposes targeted policy interventions to promote digital equity. The findings stress the urgency of government-led digital literacy initiatives, infrastructural investments, and gender-sensitive policies to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive growth in the digital era.