Major dimensions and barriers of digital in(equity)
| Dimensions | Sub-categories | Barriers | Study (N) | Source documents* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital literacy/knowledge | Technological Literacy | Individuals’ limited proficiencies to effectively, safely, and responsibly usage, and management of ICT | 7 | Foteinou (2010), Heponiemi et al. (2021), Huang and Chen (2010), Kim Andrew Eugni and Jeong Mi-Kyeng (2010), Lamberti et al. (2021), Nam, (2010), Neves et al. (2013) |
| Language proficiency | Accessing or utilizing digital content in English language may be challenging for non-English speaking people | 2 | Boesch (2012), Chang et al. (2016) | |
| Awareness of available digital services | A limited knowledge of available digital services involves issues about how to find and access the desired content and services | 2 | Chang et al. (2016), Heponiemi et al. (2020) | |
| Information navigation literacy | A lack of information and navigation skills prevents people from accessing and understanding IT hardware and software, which in turn, hindering them from achieving their desired services | 3 | Heponiemi et al. (2020) Lamberti et al. (2021), Lytras and Şerban (2020) | |
| Safe use of the internet | A lack of internet safety is also a concern as digital technology becomes more widespread, where people are becoming increasingly aware of their digital security and well-being | 2 | Heponiemi et al. (2021), Shaffer (2011) | |
| Affordability (costs) | Internet Plan |
| 7 | Deursen et al. (2019), Dilmaghani (2018), Ee (2013), Hartnett (2017), Heponiemi et al. (2020), Kim Andrew Eugni and Jeong Mi-Kyeng (2010), Lamberti et al. (2021) |
| Device | The cost of digital devices (mobile phones, laptops, computers, and tablets) also a barrier to access ICT and related services | 6 | Deursen et al. (2019), Dilmaghani (2018), Hartnett (2017), Heponiemi et al. (2020), Lamberti et al. (2021), Nielsen et al. (2018) | |
| Connection cost | Connection costs (such as modems and routers) and the cost of internet data package, broadband internet connection and internet data package subscriptions also barriers for many low-income households | 5 | Dilmaghani (2018), Hartnett (2017), Heponiemi et al. (2020), Lamberti et al. (2021), Nielsen et al. (2018) | |
| Equity deserving group sensitive content and services | The lack of culturally appropriate content, activities, programs, and services is critical barriers to achieving digital equity for equity-seeking groups | 3 | Neves et al. (2013), Tirado-Morueta et al. (2021), White et al. (2011) | |
| Availability/Access (infra-structure) | Availability of internet | A lack of availability of affordable broadband or Wi-Fi connections hinder people to enjoy the benefits of the digital world | 5 | Dilmaghani (2018), Hartnett (2017), Heponiemi et al. (2021), Lamberti et al. (2021), Nielsen et al. (2018) |
| Quality of internet | The lack of quality and speed in broadband and Wi-Fi connections, as well as slow upload and download speeds, are also crucial barriers to bringing disadvantaged people into the digital world | 4 | Hartnett (2017), Heponiemi et al. (2021), Nielsen et al. (2018), Sanz and Turlea (2012) |
| Dimensions | Sub-categories | Barriers | Study (N) | Source documents* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital literacy/knowledge | Technological Literacy | Individuals’ limited proficiencies to effectively, safely, and responsibly usage, and management of ICT | 7 | Foteinou (2010), Heponiemi |
| Language proficiency | Accessing or utilizing digital content in English language may be challenging for non-English speaking people | 2 | Boesch (2012), Chang | |
| Awareness of available digital services | A limited knowledge of available digital services involves issues about how to find and access the desired content and services | 2 | Chang | |
| Information navigation literacy | A lack of information and navigation skills prevents people from accessing and understanding IT hardware and software, which in turn, hindering them from achieving their desired services | 3 | Heponiemi | |
| Safe use of the internet | A lack of internet safety is also a concern as digital technology becomes more widespread, where people are becoming increasingly aware of their digital security and well-being | 2 | Heponiemi | |
| Affordability (costs) | Internet Plan | A lack of access to affordable home internet and data plans is a significant barrier that worsens the digital divide Relative cost of the internet and its’s associated value (total data allowance and maximum speed) are important factors that shape the choices of plans and usage patterns | 7 | |
| Device | The cost of digital devices (mobile phones, laptops, computers, and tablets) also a barrier to access ICT and related services | 6 | ||
| Connection cost | Connection costs (such as modems and routers) and the cost of internet data package, broadband internet connection and internet data package subscriptions also barriers for many low-income households | 5 | Dilmaghani (2018), Hartnett (2017), Heponiemi | |
| Equity deserving group sensitive content and services | The lack of culturally appropriate content, activities, programs, and services is critical barriers to achieving digital equity for equity-seeking groups | 3 | Neves | |
| Availability/Access (infra-structure) | Availability of internet | A lack of availability of affordable broadband or Wi-Fi connections hinder people to enjoy the benefits of the digital world | 5 | Dilmaghani (2018), Hartnett (2017), Heponiemi |
| Quality of internet | The lack of quality and speed in broadband and Wi-Fi connections, as well as slow upload and download speeds, are also crucial barriers to bringing disadvantaged people into the digital world | 4 | Hartnett (2017), Heponiemi |
Note(s): * Details of these sources are available in Appendix Table 2 and Appendix Table 3
Source(s): Authors’ own synthesis