ICT and Digital Inequalities
摘要
The increasing interest in the digital divide stems from the recognition that unequal access to and use of information and communication technologies can perpetuate societal inequalities. This chapter offers a panoramic view of digital inequalities to discover the challenges that shape our digital era. Through in-depth comparative analysis, we explore disparities in access to digital resources, shedding light on the socio-economic factors behind them. By examining theories of the digital divide, reviewing existing literature, and analyzing digital indicators by gender, age, level of urbanization, and level of development, we unveil the multiple facets of this complex phenomenon. From ownership of digital devices to digital competence to access to the Internet, we dissect the different levels of inequality that persist across regions of the globe. Concrete avenues of action were proposed at the end of the chapter to reduce digital inequalities.