With the advent of the Internet age, illiterate groups, particularly middle-aged women aged 40–64 in China, face significant challenges in daily life, employment, and social participation. According to the National Bureau of Statistics’ 2022 survey, there are approximately 40.7 million illiterate individuals aged 15 and above, with 76.4% being women, largely due to historical gender discrimination and unequal educational opportunities. These individuals, who are often responsible for household tasks and purchases, struggle with modern tools like smartphones, which lack tailored solutions for their needs. The rapid technological advancements post-COVID-19 have further exacerbated their difficulties, as many entry-level jobs have been automated or eliminated. Illiterate individuals are more likely to suffer from mental health issues such as loneliness, anxiety, and depression, and they often feel a high sense of shame, making it difficult for them to seek help. Despite their aspirations for a better quality of life, they find it challenging to adapt to modern society. Currently, only a few mobile phone brands like OPPO and XIAOMI offer text-to-language auxiliary systems, while other brands and applications primarily cater to the blind, leaving the illiterate group with significant operational difficulties. This paper highlights the urgent need for inclusive technological solutions to support this vulnerable population.

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Bridging the Digital Divide: Shopping Freedom for Illiterate Women

  • Hualan Gou,
  • Xinbei Gong

摘要

With the advent of the Internet age, illiterate groups, particularly middle-aged women aged 40–64 in China, face significant challenges in daily life, employment, and social participation. According to the National Bureau of Statistics’ 2022 survey, there are approximately 40.7 million illiterate individuals aged 15 and above, with 76.4% being women, largely due to historical gender discrimination and unequal educational opportunities. These individuals, who are often responsible for household tasks and purchases, struggle with modern tools like smartphones, which lack tailored solutions for their needs. The rapid technological advancements post-COVID-19 have further exacerbated their difficulties, as many entry-level jobs have been automated or eliminated. Illiterate individuals are more likely to suffer from mental health issues such as loneliness, anxiety, and depression, and they often feel a high sense of shame, making it difficult for them to seek help. Despite their aspirations for a better quality of life, they find it challenging to adapt to modern society. Currently, only a few mobile phone brands like OPPO and XIAOMI offer text-to-language auxiliary systems, while other brands and applications primarily cater to the blind, leaving the illiterate group with significant operational difficulties. This paper highlights the urgent need for inclusive technological solutions to support this vulnerable population.