Abstract
Technological advances in the information and knowledge society have influenced and transformed economic, social, and educational dynamics. Currently there are many digital gaps related to the access to technology, level of digital literacy, and social use. These gaps vary based on the age of the population and become more noticeable among elders. Digital illiteracy leads to the underusing of technological developments of the 21st century, making it difficult to take advantage of all the possibilities that they offer to our society. This study aims to analyze the level of penetration and use of handheld digital devices, especially the cellular phone, among the adult population. This study is based on the 2016 National Survey of Life Quality in Colombia, elaborated by Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística-DANE, specifically on the module of ownership and use of ICT goods. Results of four age groups are compared, which include 32 year olds or under, from ages 33 to 45 years, 46 to 59 years, and over 60 years. The sample consists of 37047 inhabitants of the Colombian territory, grouped by regions (Antioquia, Bogota, Caribbean, Eastern Central, Orinoquia, Amazonia, Pacific, San Andres, and Valle del Cauca). Data have been analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical procedures, contingency tables analyses, and logistic regression, in order to identify and know the effect of age on the level of penetration and use of handheld digital devices when comparing results in young adults and elderly people. Findings show that young adults use these technologies to a greater proportion when compared to older adults, showing a significant correlation between age and the increase of digital gaps in access and social use of handheld digital devices. Results also make evident that digital divide in Colombia may be associated to the place of residence, as people who live in rural zones are the ones who suffer greater from inequalities.
Highlights
IntroductionWe all may be aware of the strong presence of technology all around us and how it has become an important element (that is constantly evolving and changing) in our lives
We all may be aware of the strong presence of technology all around us and how it has become an important element in our lives
The second part shows a logistic regression model which informs about the gaps of access, use, and digital literacy of elders in Colombia, based on the survey carried out by Dane (2018)
Summary
We all may be aware of the strong presence of technology all around us and how it has become an important element (that is constantly evolving and changing) in our lives. This digital divide has become a challenge and a barrier for the entire population, especially for the elderly population because learning how technology works and how to use digital devices implies an outstanding effort (Iancu and Iancu, 2017). 5), digital divide refers to “the gap between individuals, households, businesses, and geographic areas at different socio-economic levels with regard to their opportunities to access information and communication technologies (ICTs) and to their use of the Internet for a wide variety of activities.” Olphert et al (2005) and Warschauer (2003) define digital divide from a democratic point of view that implies differences between those who have access and those who do not, users and non-users of technology in their daily life, and those who are able and those who are unable to take advantage of those technologies According to OECD (2001, p. 5), digital divide refers to “the gap between individuals, households, businesses, and geographic areas at different socio-economic levels with regard to their opportunities to access information and communication technologies (ICTs) and to their use of the Internet for a wide variety of activities.” Olphert et al (2005) and Warschauer (2003) define digital divide from a democratic point of view that implies differences between those who have access and those who do not, users and non-users of technology in their daily life, and those who are able and those who are unable to take advantage of those technologies
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