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

H Sichkarenko,A Zlenko,T Kuchera,N Yevtushenko,T Stoian

doi:10.18371/fcaptp.v5i40.245196

Abstract

Abstract. 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.

Highlights

Scientists recognize various manifestations of social inequality and poverty as the leading problem of modern world
Today at the forefront is digital inequality, which is a consequence of economic inequality and social stratification
This leads to the existence of digital inequality, which in the scientific context is revealed through the concept of information poverty, digital inequality or digital divide

Summary

Introduction

Scientists recognize various manifestations of social inequality and poverty as the leading problem of modern world. According to the level of inequality determined by income, Ukraine is significantly ahead of most countries and has a poverty rate exceeding 51% [1] This leads to a slowdown in economic development and growing social tensions. People who watch news from government sources are, on average, wealthier and more educated This creates a vicious circle in which information poverty, caused by low incomes and education, generates unpretentious media enthusiasm, protecting the economic and political interests of elites and maintaining income inequality, which in turn increases digital inequality [14]. According to the World Economic Forum, each 10% increase in broadband penetration can lead to an increase in GDP per capita by 1.2% in countries with economies in transition [9, p. 95]

Conclusions

Findings

15. Cifrovye dividendy