DIGITAL INEQUALITY AS A PREREQUISITE OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC DIFFERENTIATION OF SOCIETY

The aim of the article is to study the current state of digital inequality, factors of influence and trends in its transformation as a component of socio-economic differentiation of the population in the world and in Ukraine in order to to make optimal management decisions. The theoretical significance of the article is that it was generalized and systematized a prerequisite of socio-economic inequality — digitalization. Socio-economic factors of digital inequality are highlighted. The contradictory nature of digital wealth is shown. The interrelation between economic growth and key indicators of digital inequality is revealed. Based on statistical indicators, the problems of digital inequality and the degree of its relevance for Ukraine are highlighted. In the article digital inequality is seen as a dynamic threat that simultaneously extends to all spheres of society, broad sections of the population and has quantitative and qualitative characteristics. It is proved that the processes of digitalization, on which serious hopes were placed, do not lead to the equalization of economic potential and social structure, but are able to intensify the level of digital inequality. There are various direct and inverse interactions between digital inequality and the level of the socio-economic development in society. Not only the spread of information and communication technologies and socio-economic restrictions on access to them affect the economy and the labor market. In turn, the level of information and digital inequality affects all spheres of society and economic development of the country. The results of the study reveal the relationship between economic growth, key indicators and factors of digital inequality, allow for constant monitoring of the level of digital differentiation of Ukrainian society in order to identify and eliminate bottlenecks at different levels of governance. Keywords: information society, information, digital inequality, digital divide, digital inequality factors, information poverty, information wealth. JEL Classification A12, I31 Formulas: 0; fig.: 0; tabl.: 0; bibl.: 21.

Extending information poverty theory to better understand the digital access and inequalities among young people who are not in education, employment or training in South Africa

PurposeThe objective of this study is to present evidence regarding how young people, who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) in South Africa, lack literacy skills and access to enabling resources to actively search and navigate information services systems that are primarily web-based. Information Poverty Theory is adopted to better understand the technological and social strata challenges experienced by young NEET people.Design/methodology/approachThe study used semi-structured interviews for collecting data over two months in 2018, employing snowball sampling with 24 key participants, representing a diversity of educational backgrounds and previous experience of economic participation.FindingsThe findings of this study suggest that most interviewed young people, who are NEET, lack advanced information literacy and digital skills to access information services. The results also indicate that access to information services that are primed for online information is a challenge for most of these NEET young people residing in underserviced communities. The high cost of an Internet connection means that the Internet is out of reach for most low-income households. In communities that are underserviced with no adequate information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, people residing in such areas are subjected to living in circumstances where there is poverty and thus a lack of access to online information.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper reports on data collected in 2018 using intense interviews, while acknowledging limitations in terms of the sample size. Hence, it is not fully representative of the whole population of young people, who are NEET, residing in the Gauteng Province of South Africa.Practical implicationsThe findings illustrate the need for further collaboration among relevant stakeholders to strengthen existing programmes and for stronger partnerships. The arguments presented herein enhance knowledge and understanding concerning the digital literacy skills divide that exists among young people who are NEET. It includes a discussion to contribute to policy development.Originality/valueThis study focuses on challenges young people who are NEET experience when looking for work and developmental opportunities. This qualitative study adopts Information Poverty Theory and uses prior studies to link the undertaken survey and research. It is expected that this study may serve as a pilot for future studies and may also contribute to the ongoing discussions around the use of ICTs on their use and access, especially the effect on young people when searching for information related to jobs and other developmental opportunities using online services.

Information poverty predictors among Ahvazi citizens; Investigating some cases

The present study aimed to investigate the most important information poverty predictors among Ahvazi citizens. This applied and correlational-descriptive study employed structural equation modeling to analyze the data. The information poverty scale and the standard questionnaires of social participation, social exclusion, technophobia, and economic capital were used to collect the data. On the next step, their reliability and validity were confirmed through using Cronbach’s alpha and confirmatory factor analysis. The study population consisted of individuals aged 15 and above living in Ahvaz. Furthermore, the subjects were selected using a multistage random sampling technique, where 520 questionnaires were collected. The results showed a significant relationship among some factors like information poverty and education, gender, social exclusion, social participation, and ultimately, economic capital. However, the relationship between technophobia and information poverty has not been confirmed. Information poverty is a multidimensional-multifactorial phenomenon, associated with diverse factors. Due to the fact that, the relationship between variables and information poverty was confirmed; we need to minimize material poverty and social exclusion, paying attention to the educational system, and increasing social participation in society in order to reduce information poverty. This phenomenon can be in contact with information-related infrastructures, increasing the number of libraries and their resources, strengthening Internet access, and teaching information literacy. Moreover, several factors can exacerbate information poverty, some of which has been addressed in this study.

Investigation and analysis of digital poverty among adolescents in China

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the status quo of digital poverty among adolescents in China, analyze the characteristics and the causes, then propose countermeasures to provide reference for alleviating digital poverty among adolescents.Design/methodology/approachThe study developed an initial scale of digital poverty among adolescents and used survey data to revise the scale, on this basis, formed a questionnaire, which was distributed to nationwide adolescents. The study developed its findings from the 837 valid questionnaire respondents.FindingsThe digital poverty among adolescents is mainly shown in the poverty of digital ability, digital psychology and digital environment and presents the following characteristics, that is, insufficient information seeking ability and information selection ability needing to be improved; equipped with basic information awareness but lack of information evaluation ability; lack of patience in obtaining information and inclined to the principle of least effort; imperfect knowledge structure and immature psychological emotions and vulnerable to external interference; having a certain relationship with the information environment, but not significantly affected by regional economic differences. Finally, the study puts forward countermeasures to alleviate digital poverty among adolescents.Practical implicationsUnderstanding of the digital poverty among adolescents will likely demand rethinking into a number of issues ignored by information poverty studies.Originality/valueFew studies focus on digital poverty among adolescents. This study developed an initial scale of digital poverty among adolescents and revised it by survey data, then conducted an empirical study through questionnaire, which could expand the understanding of information poverty in the field of library and information science.

A Theoretical Framework and Model of ICT Adoption and Inclusion in Developing Countries

Information and communication technology (ICT) adoption is cardinal to the sustainability of all societies, and it is the engine that can transform developing countries. This first chapter for the book uses the theories of poverty, human needs, and information poverty as the lenses to examine the framework for ICT adoption and inclusion. A world pyramid of needs that embodies information needs is developed. Information poverty is discussed along with the case of Coronavirus (COVID-19), the global pandemic that brought to a halt many communities in 2020. A mobile phone technology adoption model (MOPTAM) is presented as the framework to understanding ICT adoption and inclusion in developing countries.

Examining the factors influencing information poverty in western China

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the factors impacting information poverty in western China and investigate to what extent these determinants contribute to information poverty in these areas. Design/methodology/approach Structural equation modeling (SEM) technique was used to analyze 232 valid responses collected from a survey to examine the research model and hypotheses in this study. Findings The results indicate that information literacy, information supply and information and communication technologies (ICTs) positively and significantly affect information poverty, while social prejudice and information orientation had no significant effects on information poverty. Practical implications Public libraries, government departments and other institutions should pay attention to the significant impact of information literacy, information supply and ICTs on information poverty and formulate corresponding systems and policies to alleviate or reduce information poverty. Originality/values In the past, few studies have focused on information poverty in western China and most of the existing research on information poverty adopts qualitative research methods, such as interview, systematic literature review and so on, while quantitative research is rare. In addition, the focus of these research studies was on one or two aspects, and a few of them can systematically study the influencing factors of information poverty. Inspired by the theories of information literacy, social prejudice and information poverty, this study comprehensively used a questionnaire survey and SEM to investigate the influences of information literacy, social prejudice, information supply, information orientation and ICTs on information poverty.

Democratic and Educational Background of Information Poverty: The Case of Turkey

Information poverty is one of the most significant characteristics of developing countries and its causes include multiple complex factors, including educational, scientific and technological contexts, political, social and cultural structures, democratic quality, and humanitarian conditions. The purpose of this study is to examine the situation of information poverty in Turkey, focusing on its democratic and educational aspects. In the scope of the study the basic concept of information poverty is briefly introduced. Then, the particular case of Turkey is presented based on domestic and international literature and other public and official sources. The study concludes Turkey is one of the countries which suffers from information poverty, because of failing to fulfill minimal democratic and educational conditions. Associated problems covered do not seem to be solved in the short term. Recommendations are that the first step in the amelioration of information poverty must be awareness-raising by targeting all governmental and societal segments. A multidimensional approach that addresses all segments and policies of the country may be useful, because there is no single factor that explains the information poverty. Finally, librarians and other intellectual workers have a significant role to play in this process.