Digital Inequality Research Articles

Digital Critical Pedagogy: Describing Paths to Digital Equity

This work aims to analyse the speed of implementation of pedagogical practices during the COVID-19 pandemic without concern for the specificities inherent to education for the popular classes, seeking to answer the following guiding question: Is it necessary a revisit to the concept of Paulo Freire's Critical Pedagogy in digital times, to provide the digital equity of the popular classes through education? An exploratory and qualitative case study was carried out with educational actors. Based on this study, it was possible to observe that the pedagogical practices used during the period when schools were closed did not corroborate the wishes of the actors involved and, therefore, led to an expansion of social inequality through the existing digital inequality. Consequently, it is necessary to rescue Freire's teachings, modifying pedagogical practices in this new scenario towards digital equity.
 Keywords: Critical Pedagogy; digital equity; educational technology; popular classes; qualitative study.

Understanding ethnic inequalities in the design and implementation of digital health interventions for cardiometabolic disease: a qualitative study

BackgroundThe use of digital health interventions (DHIs), such as apps and wearable devices, for prevention and management of cardiometabolic disease, has been accelerated by the impact of COVID-19 on health-care services. Digital inequalities disproportionately affect those most at risk of wider health inequalities (e.g., older age, minority ethnicity, and lower household income) and might intersect with populations with higher cardiometabolic disease risk such as South Asians in the UK. We wanted to understand how those involved in DHI implementation perceive and address these inequalities, to help develop recommendations to reduce the risk of DHI implementation exacerbating existing health inequalities. MethodsFor this qualitative study we used a purposive sampling strategy, whereby focus groups and semi-structured interviews were done online between April 7 and Dec 8, 2022, with stakeholders, including health-care professionals (n=15); technology developers and digital experts (n=10); those in strategy, evaluation, or policy roles (n=15); and charities (n=4). Discussions covered barriers and facilitators to inclusive design and implementation of DHIs, with focus dependent on expertise. Findings from a qualitative study with South Asian patients have been reported separately. Audio recordings were transcribed and coded using reflexive thematic analysis. Participants provided written consent and the study received NHS Health Research Authority approval from London - Brent Research Ethics Committee (IRAS 261047). FindingsParticipants had a good understanding of barriers to DHI use for cardiometabolic disease faced by South Asians, highlighting the need to design for language, culture, and diet. Many emphasised the link between digital exclusion and socioeconomic deprivation, across all ethnic groups in the UK. The potential for DHIs in improving patient outcomes was recognised; however, equity concerns included unequal patient access, lack of data and resources to target support, and need for quality evidence to recommend and commission digital tools. A range of solutions for improving equity were suggested such as resourcing support for digital upskilling, community engagement, and the role of regulation in embedding improved design and evaluation of DHIs available through health-care services. InterpretationThis study reflects the experiences of professionals interested in (digital) health inequalities. However, challenges to equitable digital health implementation and use are well described. Our findings present multi-sectoral responsibilities and opportunities for action. FundingNational Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

The Impact of Digital Inequities on Esophageal Cancer Disparities in the US

Background: There is currently no comprehensive tool that quantifiably measures validated factors of modern technology access in the US for digital inequity impact on esophageal cancer care (EC). Objective: To assess the influence of digital inequities on esophageal cancer disparities while accounting for traditional social determinants. Methods: 15,656 EC patients from 2013–2017 in SEER were assessed for significant regression trends in long-term follow-up, survival, prognosis, and treatment with increasing overall digital inequity, as measured by the Digital Inequity Index (DII). The DII was calculated based on 17 census tract-level variables derived from the American Community Survey and Federal Communications Commission. Variables were categorized as infrastructure access or sociodemographic, ranked, and then averaged into a composite score. Results: With increasing overall digital inequity, significant decreases in the length of long-term follow-up (p < 0.001) and survival (p < 0.001) for EC patients were observed. EC patients showed decreased odds of receiving indicated surgical resection (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95–99) with increasing digital inequity. They also showed increased odds of advanced preliminary staging (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.05) and decreased odds of receiving indicated chemotherapy (OR 0.97;95% CI 0.95–99). Conclusions: Digital inequities meaningfully contribute to detrimental trends in EC patient care in the US, allowing discourse for targeted means of alleviating disparities while contextualizing national, sociodemographic trends of the impact of online access on informed care.

Avtomatychnyi rezhym rozghliadu administratyvnykh sprav yak forma administratyvnoho provadzhennia u vidnosynakh administratyvnoi protsedury

In the context of the adoption of the basic legislative act on the general administrative procedure, the author analyses the procedure for considering of administrative cases in automatic mode as one of the forms of administrative proceedings. The Law of Ukraine «On Administrative Procedure» established the rules for consideration of an administrative case in an automatic mode: 1) cases and procedure for applying the automatic consideration are provided by special legislative norms; 2) the possibility of full or partial application of the automatic mode of consideration of an administrative cases; 3) the automatic mode of administrative proceedings is implemented either with the help of software or without human intervention; 4) the absence of a procedure for hearing participants in administrative proceedings; 5) application of such a means of proof as the results of data processing (checking) during administrative proceedings in the automatic mode; 6) the administrative body is obliged to take measures to apply the automatic mode of consideration and resolution of an administrative case; 7) based on the results of consideration and resolution of an administrative case, an administrative act is automatically adopted on the basis of electronic documents in a machine-readable format and/or data from national electronic information resources; 8) the administrative body is responsible for administrative acts adopted in the automatic mode. The quality criteria for the functioning of the automatic mode as a form of administrative proceedings include: efficiency of the proceedings; effectiveness of proceedings; absence of excessively complex technological processes; unification of technical standards of electronic interaction; and public trust in administrative bodies. The author concludes that the digitalization of public administration facilitates the participation of a private person in applying to the authorized bodies of power for satisfaction of his/her rights and legitimate interests. At the same time, the State, by developing and implementing new e-government technologies, should create appropriate conditions for overcoming the actual digital inequality in society. Only under such conditions is it possible to realize the ambitious goals and tasks set at the stage of implementation of the novelties of administrative and procedural legislation of Ukraine into the practice of public administration.

Examining digital capital and digital inequalities in Canadian elementary schools: Insights from teachers

Research on digital inequalities and their societal implications has garnered significant attention from scholars around the globe, emphasizing the urgency to understand their impact on individuals' everyday lives. However, studies investigating these inequalities within educational settings from teachers' perspectives remain scarce. This study addresses this gap by examining the experiences of eight elementary school teachers in Canada through a collective case study approach. Despite diverse urban and rural backgrounds, teachers unanimously recognized digital inequalities among their students. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews that explored available technologies, usage patterns, and frequency of implementation; the development of students’ digital literacies skills; and the digital inequalities that may or may not impact students. Analyses reveal inequalities including disparities in device availability and ratio, discrepancies in the types and purposes of online engagement and skill development, and inequalities of digital confidence and empowerment. The findings highlight the prevalence and exacerbation of digital inequalities among students, underscoring the influential role of students' digital capital in shaping their digital experiences and offline outcomes. Moreover, the study reveals that the inequalities faced by teachers can further intensify the digital divide among students. Consequently, concerted efforts are needed to address these inequalities to promote more equitable access to digital resources and opportunities for all students, as well as targeted professional development for educators. This research emphasizes the importance of considering teachers' perspectives in understanding and mitigating the impact of digital inequalities on culture and society.

Benefits, risks and problems of digitalization of society:general theoretical aspect

The article analyzes the essence of digitization. It was determined that the main goal of digitization is to achieve the digital transformation of already existing and the creation of new sectors of the economy, as well as the transformation of spheres of life into new, more efficient and modern ones. Digitization is a recognized mechanism of economic growth due to the ability of technology to positively influence the efficiency, effectiveness, cost and quality of economic, public and personal activities. Its further dissemination and implementation is possible when ideas, actions, initiatives and programs related to digitization are integrated into national, regional, industry strategies and development programs. The direction of the influence of the digitization process on the country's life activities is determined. Digitization is one of the leading socio-economic trends of our time. Like any complex phenomenon, it has many facets of its manifestation. Let's name only two key ones. One of them is related to the transition of technical and economic systems from analog to digital methods of recording and broadcasting information. The second involves a phase transition to a new model of the organization of economic systems, which can tentatively be called the „digital economy". The characteristic features of the modern era - the era of digitalization - are the exponential growth of the use of intelligent devices, the speed of the Internet and the extent of its penetration into the economic and social life of society. The positive impact of digitization on social relations, the standard of living of citizens, including an increase in labor productivity, an increase in the competitiveness of enterprises, a reduction in production costs, the creation of new jobs, etc., is outlined. Risks and negative elements in the process of further implementation of digitalization in all spheres of society are highlighted, including unauthorized access to information and other threats to cyber security; mass unemployment; digital inequality. Possible regulatory measures that should be taken at the state level and help to minimize the systemic risk of digital transformation are formulated, among them are the establishment of clear rules and regulations on online content, privacy and data use, support of competition that will help stimulate investment and innovation in digital infrastructure and activities, primarily in the field of domestic digital solutions, as well as the cessation of attempts to establish foreign control in the Ukrainian segments of the digital economy and the promotion of joint investment through public-private partnerships, etc. It is emphasized that the identification of possible risks and negative consequences for the life process of society is important as for strategic forecasting and long-term planning. the impact of digitization on the further development of society is ambiguous and contradictory, as evidenced by the large number of threats it carries. It was concluded that in order to obtain positive features from the spread of digitalization, a special approach to the implementation of digital technologies in all spheres is necessary, taking into account the peculiarities of the processes taking place and the real state and peculiarities of development (educational, economic, political, social, national, cultural, etc. .) of all countries of the world, as well as mutually beneficial cooperation of countries in the spread and uniform implementation of digital technologies and the implementation of control over these processes.

Human and ethical risks of digitalization

Digitalization as a direct expression of global information business is the reason for modern civilization’s transformation. The total commercialization of information technologies’ super-productivity turns humans into progress »costs«, devaluing their creative power, morality and ethics. Therefore, the object of this study is to be a person in the face of growing ethical risks caused by ever-accelerating digitization and information processes. The purpose of the work is to identify the problems of ethics and ethical risks as specific and most significant for the digital society. It also shows the main approaches to their solution. An analysis of a person’s consumer attitude to technical achievements reveals the reasons for spirituality destruction as the basis of human integrity. This is due to changes in communication forms – language, art, education, and religion. Digitalization as open information makes it possible to specify ethical risks as a reflection of a human’s life situation. Values and meanings play a crucial role. Digitalization’s ethical risks are identified: privacy, inclusiveness, security, trust, and fairness. The main approach to preventing digitalization ethical risks is the establishment of a techno-humanitarian balance or the development of adequate cultural regulators (human-centricity, overcoming digital inequality) that oppose the growth of destructive power of new technologies in relation to universal human values and humaneness. The methodological basis of the study was the philosophical discourse of consequentialism. This determines the main condition for technology development to find a balance between risk and benefit and cultural and philosophical reflection. The theoretical conclusions contained in this work open up new opportunities for science to concretize practical approaches to solving moral problems and ethical risks in human existence. This is in the era of digital culture transformation.

Beyond structural inequality: a socio-technical approach to the digital divide in the platform environment

With the widespread use of social media platforms, human-technology interactions in platform environments provide a new perspective for understanding digital inequality. This article constructs a conceptual framework through the analytical tool of “platform affordance” to reveal how the mutual construction of humans and technology extends the boundaries of digital inequality beyond structural factors. The framework considers the positive sequential relationship between technology-efficacy and self-efficacy, highlighting their dominant role in promoting stratified uses and outcomes on social media platforms. Using survey data from Sina Weibo users in China, we find that users’ perceptions of the location of the feature’s icon and methods of operation shape online content creation through their perceived capabilities and needs, resulting in an unequal distribution of digital capital. On the one hand, platform affordance weakens the mechanisms that reproduce social inequality; it does so by revealing the fundamental role of interaction between technological properties and personal expectations in guiding online activities. On the other hand, platform affordance also reshapes how social structural factors operate; it does so by triggering moderating effects of personal and positional characteristics on the relationship between technology-efficacy and self-efficacy.

Digital inequalities in North Africa: Examining employment and socioeconomic well-being in Morocco and Tunisia

The term digital divide refers to disparities in digital access, infrastructure, and opportunities. However, it is important to recognize that information and communication technologies (ICTs) do not operate in isolation. They are influenced by social and structural factors. This study focuses on Tunisia and Morocco to examine access to and usage of digital technologies, factors shaping these patterns, and the impact of unequal access and usage on employment and socioeconomic well-being in the post-Arab Spring era. Using Afrobarometer household surveys from 2013 to 2022, encompassing 9595 respondents, we construct a digital inclusion index and disaggregate results to illustrate the dynamics of digital inequalities. We employ pooled logistic regression to explore the determinants of digital inclusion and examine how disparities shape well-being. Findings show improved digital inclusion in Morocco and Tunisia from 2013 to 2022, yet over 80% of their populations remain partially or entirely excluded. We confirm previous studies suggesting that digitalization mirrors or exacerbates preexisting inequalities, with gender, age, education, and socioeconomic status significantly influencing digital inclusion, indicating persistent inequalities and barriers. Our findings also have broader implications for the MENA region, emphasizing the need to address the complex interactions among sociodemographic factors, including gender, age, education, and socioeconomic disparities, in order to achieve equitable digital inclusion.

Does digitalization mitigate regional inequalities? Evidence from China

Regional inequality significantly influences sustainable development and human well-being. In China, there exists pronounced regional disparities in economic and digital advancements; however, scant research delves into the interplay between them. By analyzing the economic development and digitalization gaps at regional and city levels in China, extending the original Cobb-Douglas production function, this study aims to evaluate the impact of digitalization on China’s regional inequality using seemingly unrelated regression. The results indicate a greater emphasis on digital inequality compared to economic disparity, with variable coefficients of 0.59 for GDP per capita and 0.92 for the digitalization index over the past four years. However, GDP per capita demonstrates higher spatial concentration than digitalization. Notably, both disparities have shown a gradual reduction in recent years. The southeastern region of the Hu Huanyong Line exhibits superior levels and rates of economic and digital advancement in contrast to the northwestern region. While digitalization propels economic growth, it yields a nuanced impact on achieving balanced regional development, encompassing both positive and negative facets. Our study highlights that the marginal utility of advancing digitalization is more pronounced in less developed regions, but only if the government invests in the digital infrastructure and education in these areas. This study’s methodology can be utilized for subsequent research, and our findings hold the potential to the government’s regional investment and policy-making.

Identifying the need to institutionalize digital equity among faculty: the experience of the Kenya Medical Training College

BackgroundThe use of digital tools and applications in health professions education is increasing exponentially, however this has the potential to increase the digital inequities with the resulting effect of vulnerable groups facing an increased risk of digital exclusion. It is therefore important to approach digitalization with contextual determinants of the intended and unintended impact in mind. We present a perspective paper on digital equity, informed by lessons learnt at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC).MethodsUsing a case description methodology, we examined routine educational data collected from faculty at KMTC in November 2022. This included quantitative and qualitative data on access, ownership, utilization, confidence and skills to create, share, and exchange knowledge on the institution’s learning management system. We used these factors as the conceptual framework for understanding how faculty adopt digitalization in health professions education.Results306 faculty responded to the survey (response rate 27.8%) of whom 90.8 and 75.2% had personal laptops at home and at work and 75.9% had internet at work. 53.4% (n = 163) knew they had accounts created on the institution’s learning management system (LMS) majority of whom had basic skills and were able to perform skills such as logging in and accessing learning resources. However, a minority had advanced skills needed for teaching and learning in the LMS.ConclusionMedical education institutions in LMICs need to adopt programs to enhance digital literacy and monitoring of access, utilization and self-efficacy across all learner and faculty groups, to ensure that digital technologies reduce rather than exacerbate existing inequities.

Digital disconnection, digital inequality, and subjective well-being: a mobile experience sampling study

Abstract Drawing on theories of digital media (non-)use and well-being, this study examines how voluntary disconnection relates to subjective well-being and what role digital skills play in this relationship. We rely on mobile experience sampling methods to link nuanced disconnection practices throughout the day (e.g., putting screen devices away and muting notifications) with momentary experiences of well-being. We collected 4,028 responses from 105 mobile media users over the course of one week. Multilevel regression analyses revealed neither significant within-person effects of disconnection on affective well-being, social connectedness, or life satisfaction, nor a significant moderation effect of digital skills. Exploratory analyses, however, show that effects of disconnection on well-being vary greatly across participants, and that effects are dependent on whether one disconnects in the physical copresence of others. Our study offers a refined perspective on the consequences, or lack thereof, of deliberate non-use of technology in the digital age.

Internet perceptions among older adults in Sweden

IntroductionThe digital inequality is still present after decades of development and diffusion of digital media. Age is one of the most important factors predicting access, use, skills, and outcomes, which is somewhat paradoxical as information and communication technologies can create opportunities for older adults to sustain independent living. To increase understanding of older adults' online engagement, this study focuses on perceptions of the internet usage and how it can be a useful tool in everyday life.MethodA representative survey (n = 841).ResultsAnalyses point to decreasing support for the internet with increasing age - also within the group of 66 to 85 years old. There are significant correlations between perceptions and internet experience, whereas sociodemographic factors have weak explanatory power. Interestingly, large shares of older adults do not have any opinion of the internet, which could partly explain the persistence of the digital divide and difficulties to increase digital literacy.DiscussionOnline experience and level of anxiety overrule socio-demographics in explanatory power to perceptions. The internet is perceived useful, but also interferes with common habits, the view of digital technology in everyday life and computer anxiety. The findings could affect policy implementation, where it would be useful to implement the idea of the Internet and create an awareness that might precede an intention to advance one's use.

Fostering an inclusive public transport system in the digital era: An interdisciplinary approach

As digitalisation is making its way into public transport (PT) services, policy approaches to ensure that such services remain inclusive are at best fragmented, at worst inexistant. This study pieces together existing initiatives and lessons learnt in the transport sector itself, and takes inspiration from other fields with a more mature understanding of digitalisation. We interviewed twenty-two experts working either in the PT sector or in other sectors such as healthcare and public administration to present an overview of possible measures to foster inclusion in PT in the digital era. We used both triangulation and a two-step respondent validation process to improve results’ trustworthiness. We conclude that there is no one-size-fits-all, but a series of complementary strategies to address digital inequality. A focus on an inclusive design from the start, courses, showing the added value of digital tools, specialist products and non-digital alternatives are building blocks to foster a more inclusive PT system in the era of digitalisation. The role of the public transport staff ought not to be underestimated in digital transformations. Importantly, securing the issue of unequal access to public transport due to digitalisation at a decision-making level is essential. Nevertheless, there is only so much that the transport sector can do. Tackling more systemic issues that often underlie digital barriers like poverty and low literacy is crucially relevant. While the present study was conducted in the Netherlands, the presented measures can be applied in other countries by stakeholders working on inclusive digital transformations in (public) transport services.

Digital exclusion and relative digital deprivation: Exploring factors and moderators of internet non-use in the UK

This paper investigates internet non-use in the UK. We apply Resource and Appropriation Theory (RAT), identifying main factors associated with internet non-use in the UK: (1) older age, (2) lower socio-economic classification, (3) disability, (4) less education/qualifications, and (5) lower housing tenure. We extend RAT by exploring magnifying effects of disadvantages, particularly, moderating effects of gender, housing tenure, urban/rural, North/South divide, and ethnicity. Internet non-users tend to be in lower-paid jobs, which impacts productivity even more during than before Covid, closing the loop of the RAT vicious circle. A thread runs through the results on the importance of attitudes and motivation. Accordingly, we recommend interventions based on Relative Digital Deprivation Theory. Once an individual understands that they suffer digital inequality, they are more likely to change attitudes and behavior to reduce inequality. If encouraged by family and friends, they may then view internet non-use as fixable and worth fixing, potentially becoming internet users.

Inclusivity in online and distance disaster education: A review of educators' views

Future exemplary education should foster inclusive and respectful learning environments to meet new challenges like digital inequality and power concentration. In the new normal of education due to COVID-19, inclusive online disaster risk reduction (DRR) education is essential. Therefore, this article aims to investigate the current status quo of inclusive online and distance DRR education and its benefits. Expert interviews were conducted with 40 educators with experience in 13 countries. The experts were selected based on their experience in designing and/or delivering courses/modules related to disaster management and/or disaster risk reduction at the tertiary level. The interview questions covered 3 key aspects i.e., 1. the effectiveness of online delivery methods, 2. the status quo of online and distant DRR education and 3. the unique benefits of online education for DRR. The key findings suggest that an online setting works best when it is scientifically designed for the right audience, the right subject area, and the right mix. In creating inclusivity in DRR education, the digital divide needs to be acknowledged and interactive learning should be diversely designed. This study identifies gaps in digital disaster education, urging policy and practice changes to support diverse DRR communities beyond education providers and recipients.

Jobless and Burnt Out: Digital Inequality and Online Access to the Labor Market

This article examines how inequalities in digital skills shape the outcomes of online job‐seeking processes. Building on a representative survey of Spanish job seekers, we show that people with high digital skill levels have a greater probability of securing a job online, because of their ability to create a coherent profile and make their application visible. Additionally, it is less probable that they will experience burnout during this process than job seekers with low digital skill levels. Given the concentration of digital skills amongst people with high levels of material and digital resources, we conclude that the internet enforces existing material and health inequalities.

Problems and Prospects of the Online Model for Exporting Russian Education in the Context of Digital Inequality

Russia has historically been a favored destination for international students, a trend continuing through 2020–2022 despite pandemic challenges, quarantine measures, remote learning adaptations, and evolving geopolitical dynamics. The pandemic prompted significant digital transformations in universities, revealing varying digital readiness among Russian institutions for the abrupt shift to online education. This led to the emergence of a novel “digital didactics” methodology. Russian universities adopted digitalization not only for education but also for supporting digital students’ sociopsychological adaptation and devising recruitment strategies via social networks. In these circumstances, digital inequality emerged as a critical concern. This issue is not only evident at a global level but also across various stages of foreign students’ education, spanning from virtual admissions to final certification. This study analyzes the global experiences and recommendations for crafting an optimal model for online educational engagement with foreign students and categorizes Russian universities based on their digital readiness for education export and identifies challenges in engaging foreign students and attracting applicants.

Digital Communication Inequalities Among U.S. Adults Reporting Current Cigarette Use

To reduce tobacco-related health problems, it is critical to reach people who smoke with smoking cessation information and treatment. However, digital communication inequalities may limit access to online information sources. Digital device ownership, high-speed internet access, and online health information-seeking were examined among adults reporting current smoking in the Health Information National Trends Survey (n=847). Data were collected in 2019 and 2020 and analyzed in 2022. Multivariable logistic regression models examined associations between demographics, digital technology access, and online health information-seeking. Only 47.6% (95% CI 39.0%, 56.3%) of adults aged 65+, 54.2% of Black/African American adults (95% CI 37.8%, 69.8%), and 59.6% with high school or less education (95% CI 51.5%, 67.1%) reported high-speed internet access (vs. 74.0% overall, 95% CI 68.9%, 78.6%). Inequalities in device ownership, high-speed internet access, and online health information-seeking were found by education and income. Adults with high school or less education (vs. college or more) had 78% lower odds of digital device ownership (aOR 0.22, 95% CI 0.08, 0.59) and 75% lower odds of high-speed internet access (aOR 0.25, 95% CI 0.09, 0.71). High-speed internet access (vs. no digital device or high-speed internet) was associated with 4.9 times greater odds of online health information-seeking (95% CI 1.81, 13.4). Digital communication inequalities among adults who smoke exist. Understanding digital technology access among lower income populations could inform the development and delivery of interventions and health communication strategies to improve health outcomes among this population.

Growing old in the digital era: a qualitative study of internet use and outcomes among urban Indian older adults

PurposeThis study acknowledges the existing digital divide in India, particularly for marginalised populations, and highlights the need for exceptional attention to address their unique needs, challenges and demands. Although previous research and policies have primarily focused on physical access and internet skills, this study shifts the focus to the outcomes of internet use. By understanding how older adults in marginalised communities incorporate the internet into their daily routines, this study aims to contribute to the development of an operational framework that charts the disadvantages of the digital divide.Design/methodology/approachThe study draws from Helsper’s (2015) internet outcomes framework to identify the outcomes that older adults can derive from being online. By using a qualitative approach, the study seeks to understand how educational and economic backgrounds influence internet usage among older adults and how this can promote advantageous internet use.FindingsThe findings indicate that highly educated individuals are more likely to experience positive outcomes across various societal domains than their less educated counterparts. However, it was observed that the highly educated participants also try to limit the impact of internet use on their personal lives by intentionally disconnecting from the internet whenever possible.Research limitations/implicationsBy offering programmes and interventions to encourage internet use and improve digital skills, as well as by enhancing digital accessibility and incentive systems, the government should go forward with its plan to close the outcomes gap in internet use among older adults. For policymakers, it turns the spotlight on creating an environment conducive to the digital inclusion of older adults, consistent with sociocultural structures.Originality/valueThis study contributes to understanding the nuanced dynamics of internet use among older adults, shedding light on the role of educational background and sociocultural factors in shaping internet outcomes. It highlights the need to consider qualitative approaches in digital inequality research to capture the complexities underlying the digital divide.