Digital Divide Research Articles

InclusiveWeb : A Smart Browser Approach to Enhancing Web Accessibility for Users with Diverse Disabilities

This article presents InclusiveWeb, an innovative accessibility-focused web browser designed to enhance digital inclusion for users with diverse disabilities. The browser addresses the persistent challenge of widespread non-compliance with web accessibility standards by implementing real-time content adaptation mechanisms, disability-specific tools, and a highly customizable user interface. InclusiveWeb's architecture incorporates advanced machine learning algorithms to dynamically modify web content, offering tailored solutions for users with visual impairments, dyslexia, language disorders, cognitive disabilities, and ADHD. The article details the browser's design principles, technical considerations, and user experience features, supported by a comprehensive evaluation methodology involving user studies with various disability groups. Results demonstrate significant improvements in task completion rates, user satisfaction, and overall accessibility compared to standard browsers. While acknowledging limitations and areas for future research, this article highlights InclusiveWeb's potential to revolutionize web accessibility, shifting the paradigm from reliance on content creators' compliance to browser-level adaptations. The implications of this approach for web accessibility standards, digital inclusion, and future technological developments are discussed, emphasizing the browser's role in creating a more equitable digital landscape.

Survey on the Impact of Historical Museum Exhibition Forms on Visitors’ Perceptions Based on Eye-Tracking

Exhibition design in museum space is of great significance in enhancing cultural attraction, visitor experience, and heritage conservation. With the growth of spiritual and cultural needs, the construction of museums has increased, but the quality of exhibitions has been improved to a limited extent. In order to explore visitors’ perceptual experience in terms of display forms, this paper combines eye-tracking technology and subjective evaluation to select three display forms, namely, stand-alone display form, combined picture and object form, and combined 3D object and physical form, for the research. Combining field research, eye-tracking experiments, and subjective questionnaire evaluations, this study explores the relationship between visual perception and emotional experience in different display formats. The results showed that (1) the effects of different display formats differed between visual perception and emotional experience, and (2) there is some correlation between visual perception and emotional experience. Specifically, the number of fixations sessions was negatively correlated with fun, richness, comfort, and attractiveness and positively correlated with authenticity, while the average fixation time was positively correlated with the former and negatively correlated with authenticity. Combining the two dimensions, the study concluded that visitors’ experience satisfaction and preference are high in response to the form combining 3D objects and physical objects; the exhibition form of combining pictures and physical objects produces a higher degree of cognition in a short period of time; and the stand-alone display form has the lowest degree of preference, with poor information retention among visitors. It is hoped that this study will provide some reference for the use of exhibition forms in historical museums.

Bridging the Digital Divide in Mexico: A Critical Analysis of Telecommunications Infrastructure and Predictive Models for Policy Innovation

This work presents an in-depth evaluation of the telecommunications landscape in Mexico from 2015 to 2023. The study’s primary focus is on the disparities in broadband access, telecommunications infrastructure, and digital inclusion across various regions, particularly between urban and rural areas. By employing predictive models and correlation analysis, the paper identifies key factors influencing technology adoption and service bundling in households. A significant contribution of this research lies in its identification of strong correlations between broadband access, GDP growth, and the penetration of multiple telecommunication services such as fixed telephony, broadband internet, and television. The predictive models developed offer crucial insights into the regional inequalities of digital access, revealing patterns that policymakers can use to prioritize infrastructure investments. The findings underscore the essential role of public policy innovation in promoting digital inclusion, particularly in underdeveloped regions, and provide a robust analytical framework for understanding how advanced telecommunications services contribute to socio-economic development. Through this analytical approach, the study demonstrates the critical relationship between telecommunications infrastructure and regional economic performance, offering data-driven recommendations to bridge the digital divide and enhance connectivity in underserved areas. The results offer significant value for future research and policy initiatives aimed at fostering equitable access to Information and communication technologies, promoting economic growth, and ensuring broader societal inclusion in the digital age.

Machine learning, banking, industry, digitalization, innovation

Aim: The application of artificial intelligence (AI) offers an encouraging avenue for developments in the banking industry. Methods: The study adopted a scoping review of methodology to provide a comprehensive overview of relevant research regarding the potential uses and challenges of AI in banking. Consumer expectations have evolved, emphasizing features such as payment gateways, swift transactions, and resilient banking services. Results: Major utilization of the AI in banking industry includes enhanced customer engagement, satisfaction, and relationships, personalized financial guidance, smart digital wallets, regulation compliance and collaborative efforts, forecasting, tracking market trends, decision-making and problem-solving, anti-money laundering and fraud detection, automation of repetitive, large and time-intensive tasks, enhanced cybersecurity, and opportunity for digital financial inclusion. Conclusion: Users encounter challenges involving security issues, privacy concerns, and the complexity of technology in AI-driven banking services. Recommendation: While AI holds a crucial role in the banking industry, successful implementation demands ample allocation and consistent, predictable utilization of AI practices.

Moderating Role of Technology Self-Efficacy on Fintech Usage and Digital Financial Inclusion of Women in Rural Uganda

Digital financial inclusion (DFI) especially among rural women remains a significant challenge in Uganda. Despite the potential benefits of fintech’s, limited technology self-efficacy (TSE) among rural women hampers their effective usage. This study examined how TSE influences the relationship between fintech usage and DFI among these women. Data were gathered via a structured questionnaire from 384 women vendors in Mbale main market, employing an explanatory, quantitative, cross-sectional design. Using hierarchical regression and Hayes PROCESS Macro V 4.0, the study assessed both direct relationships and the moderating effect of TSE. Results indicate that both fintech usage and TSE positively impact DFI, with TSE significantly enhancing the association between fintech usage and DFI. Based on these findings, the study recommends that policymakers support fintech adoption through targeted education programs to improve TSE among rural women. Additionally, user-friendly interfaces and supportive systems are crucial in overcoming technological barriers and boosting confidence. However, limitations include the study’s cross-sectional approach, focus on women vendors in a specific district, and potential social desirability bias. Future research should consider longitudinal studies, cultural aspects of fintech adoption, and mixed-methods data collection to deepen understanding of the variables.

Supporting equitable access to learning via SMS in Kenya: Impact on engagement and learning outcomes

AbstractThe use of SMS messaging for education has grown in recent years, with particular attention recently during the Covid‐19 pandemic. Mobile phones often have high levels of ownership in low‐income contexts compared to computers, and lower connectivity requirements, which arguably make this a more equitable medium than data‐heavy online instruction, for example. However, given that gender can be a factor to influence mobile device access and use, it is also important to consider educational applications through a gender lens, to avoid further exacerbating digital divides. In this paper, we present an analysis of server log and evaluation data in relation to a literacy‐focused initiative for primary‐aged learners carried out in Kenya as part of the Tusome programme and through the SMS‐based M‐Shule education platform, which does not require an Internet connection or smartphone to run. The extent of engagement with the platform varies according to gender and location within the country. The data also demonstrate a positive impact on learning outcomes regardless of learners' gender and location. Furthermore, the learning gains are shown to be relatively cost‐effective in comparison with educational technology interventions in similar contexts. The findings show that this low‐connectivity adaptive model has a positive impact on learning outcomes. It is a scalable approach to support a range of learners in Kenya, providing more support to learners who need it, and leading to increased foundational learning outcomes overall. As such, the findings will also be of highly relevant to other low‐connectivity contexts. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic Mobile phones can be used as a means to support learning, through mobile learning and SMS, particularly in low‐connectivity contexts, although there is a lack of rigorous evidence of impact upon learning outcomes. Mobile phone device ownership tends to be higher than computer or wired Internet connections in many low‐income contexts. Software applications which adapt to the learners' level have shown good potential for gender‐equitable learning outcomes in low‐income contexts; however, these often require an Internet connection in addition to computers or tablets to be run on. What this paper adds There is a lack of contextually relevant evidence of the impact of SMS‐based mobile learning applications in low‐resource and low‐connectivity contexts upon learning outcomes. Through analysis of data generated via an experimental design, this study provides evidence that literacy materials delivered through an SMS‐based educational platform—M‐Shule—can have a positive impact upon learning outcomes. Furthermore, gains are equitable in terms of learners' gender, and location, within Kenya. Implications for practice and/or policy Mobile phones can be an effective way of reaching learners to provide additional educational support as part of existing education programmes in low‐connectivity environments. Learning gains using M‐Shule are evidenced as significant and relatively cost‐effective. Existing high‐quality learning materials developed in other media can be effectively adapted to SMS to reach learners particularly who are out‐of‐school or during periods of educational disruption.

Commentary: Revisiting developmental science research practices during a global crisis.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents were extensive, touching aspects of their lives such as those reviewed in this Special Section : school experiences, family relationships, peer relationships, and civic engagement. In parallel with these effects on individuals, the fields of developmental and psychological science were shaken up by this global crisis. The accelerated transition to online data collection and collaboration presented opportunities to expand research on adolescence, breaking down many physical and social barriers to participation and sparking methodological innovation. Yet, this crisis also shed light on the global digital divides and the uneven impacts of the pandemic across the research community. This commentary reflects on the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the methods and methodologies of developmental science, the challenges and opportunities it surfaced, and the populations included and omitted in this period of research. We integrate reflections on how the pandemic shaped our own research and on how the pandemic has shaped the future of developmental science.

Smart Cities, Digital Inequalities, and the Challenge of Inclusion

While cities on a global scale embrace smartness as a roadmap for efficient urban governance, disparities persist in the domain of digital accessibility, literacy, and skills, with manifestations of digital exclusion, ageism, and ableism prevalent in most digital urban experiences. Despite their commitment to bridging the digital divide, governments lack comprehensive frameworks to inform policymaking and action for inclusion in smart cities. This review paper aims to deepen the understanding of the multifaceted challenges confronting the governance of inclusion in smart cities. Drawing from a review of research encompassing digital inclusion, digital transitions, smart cities, and urban governance, we discuss who is included and excluded in the governance of smart cities; what are the necessary conditions to be met for smart cities to be considered inclusive; and how can smart city governance deliver public value and equal benefits for all. As a novel contribution, this paper outlines a reflective framework to inform citizen inclusion in the governance of smart cities. This framework is meant to act as a starting point in the design of inclusive digital urban policies, and can also be employed to assess the directions taken to date in public organizations towards more inclusive urban practices.

Correlates of Socio Demographic Factors with Utilization of ICT Gadgets by Rural Students

Aims: This study investigates the utilization of ICT gadgets by rural students, focusing on usage patterns and their correlation with socio-demographic factors. As the demand and usage of ICT is increased, it is necessary to identify the ICT gadgets used by rural students and their extent of utilization so they may not be lag behind as urban population increasing the digital divide. Study Design: The research design was descriptive correlational research in nature. Research targeted two government senior secondary schools, one each from the villages of Niyana and Bhiwani Rohilla. A total of 100 students from grades 9 to 12 participated in the study who were willing and interested to participate. Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in the Hisar district of Haryana state. The collection of data was done through the self-constructed questionnaire in the month of May, 2022 by the researcher itself. Duration of the study was 6 months. Methodology: Utilization was the usage of the ICT gadgets to reveal which types of ICT gadgets were being utilized by the respondents and which were not utilized. The developed questionnaire was used to discover the most utilized ICT gadgets by the respondents. For calculating, Level of Utilization of ICT gadgets, an excel sheet was made with the responses of the students given on the self-developed questionnaire on the usage of number of gadgets (0-15). For Comparison of School-I and School-II, Significance of the Difference was used. Correlation between Socio-Demographic profile of the respondents and utilization of ICT gadgets by School-I and School-II was also analyzed with P=.05. Results: It was revealed that all students in School-I utilized smartphones and televisions, with most displaying a medium level of usage. In contrast, students in School-II exhibited a lower level of ICT gadget utilization, despite similar access to smartphones and televisions. The t-score analysis revealed a significant difference in usage levels between the two schools. Smartphones were the most utilized devices for a variety of purposes, including academics, entertainment, and online transactions, while laptops were the least used gadgets. The study also found a positive correlation between education level and ICT gadget usage, suggesting that students with higher education engage more with ICT tools. A negative correlation was observed between distance from urban centers and ICT usage, indicating that students farther from cities face greater challenges in accessing technology. The results of the research will be beneficial for government and policymakers to formulate programs to enhance the utilization of ICT gadgets by rural students of India to overcome digital gap. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the influence of socio-demographic factors on ICT usage and highlight the need for targeted interventions to enhance technology access and utilization in rural education.

On the Attainments of the van Trees and the Borovkov–Sakhanenko Bounds for the Escort Distribution

Some necessary and sufficient conditions for attaining equality for Bayesian information inequalities such as the van Trees and the Borovkov–Sakhanenko inequalities regard to the order of the escort distribution when the probability distribution of the data is modelled using an escort distribution, which is a generalized probability distribution constructed from an exponential family, and the prior distribution is either conjugate or Jeffreys, and the parameter of interest is a function of the order of the escort distribution. Examples of normal variance and logit models are also considered.

Public Service Equalization, Digital Financial inclusion and the Rural Revitalization: Evidence from Chinese 283 prefecture-level cities

While China has made significant strides in poverty alleviation, the persistent urban-rural divide poses challenges for sustainable development. Previous studies have explored various factors influencing rural revitalization, yet the interplay between public service equalization, digital financial inclusion, and rural development remains understudied. This research investigates how public service equalization impacts rural revitalization in China and examines the moderating role of digital financial inclusion. Using panel data from 283 prefecture-level cities from 2011 to 2021, we employ a fixed-effects model and conduct robustness checks including endogeneity tests and alternative specifications. Our findings reveal that public service equalization positively influences rural revitalization, with both accessibility and beneficiality dimensions playing crucial roles. Importantly, digital financial inclusion enhances this positive impact, suggesting a synergistic effect. These results underscore the need for a holistic approach integrating public service provision and digital financial services to promote inclusive growth in rural China. By elucidating the mechanisms through which these factors interact, our study contributes to the broader literature on rural development and offers policymakers valuable insights for designing effective rural revitalization strategies.

Financial development, electronic payments, and residents' consumption: Evidence from Rural China

The development of rural finance, by providing convenient credit, introducing modern financial services, and improving electronic payment systems, addresses the financial needs of rural residents, fosters the growth of rural industries, and improves the quality of life. This study utilizes provincial panel data from China covering the period 2011 to 2021 to examine the impact of rural financial development on the consumption levels of rural residents. The findings indicate that rural financial development exerts a significant positive influence on rural consumption, with rural electronic payments serving as a transmission mechanism in this relationship. A heterogeneity analysis further reveals that the effect of rural financial development on consumption levels differs according to the level of digital financial inclusion. Specifically, the positive impact is more pronounced in provinces with higher levels of digital financial inclusion compared to those with lower levels.

Digital literacy, relative poverty, and common prosperity for rural households

Digital transformation has emerged as a crucial driver of economic development, yet its impact on rural China's socioeconomic landscape remains understudied. This research investigates how digital literacy influences common prosperity and relative poverty in rural China using comprehensive household-level data from the 2018 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS). Through robust econometric analysis, including multiple regression models and structural equation modeling, we examine both the direct effects of digital literacy on household economic outcomes and its indirect effects through the mediating channel of relative poverty. Our findings demonstrate that a one standard deviation increase in digital literacy scores corresponds to a 12.3 % reduction in relative poverty and a 15.7 % increase in household income, with these effects amplified in China's western regions and among unmarried individuals. The results are robust to various model specifications and controls for potential endogeneity. By establishing the causal pathways between digital skills and economic well-being, this study provides empirical evidence for policymakers to design targeted interventions that leverage digital literacy as a tool for reducing rural-urban disparities. Our findings contribute to the growing literature on digital inclusion and suggest that investing in digital skills training could be a cost-effective strategy for promoting inclusive growth in rural China.

The Financial Inclusion Question in Zimbabwe’s Post-COVID -19, New Normal: Implications for Adoption of Financial Technology (FinTech) on Service Providers

Financial inclusion will be accelerated by the technological opportunities for online financial transactions brought forth by the COVID-19 outbreak. As a result, because there were fewer digital financial transactions, the threats to COVID-19 that were present previously are now more substantial. The aim of this article is to assess the dangers, challenges, and opportunities for financial inclusion brought forth by the use of technology by COVID-19. According to the article, the inherent characteristics of financial technology (FinTech) in connection to financial inclusion allow it to reduce the negative economic and social effects of the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Under COVID-19, the introduction of digital financial transactions has sped up corporate operations and cut expense on doing business. As a result, women now have greater access to transactions involving financial technology (FinTech). The growth of digital financial transactions has made contactless and cashless purchases possible throughout the COVID-19 crisis. The expansion of digital financial inclusion makes it easier to swiftly and effectively implement public assistance programs, such as those for epidemic-affected women. Financial inclusion is being boosted by digital finance, which may eventually replace or improve traditional banking institutions. Working from home has undergone a "revolution" in a number of industries during COVID-19, including banking. Businesses should identify the optimal operating model mix for the future and make sure they have the infrastructure to support widespread, mass flexible working. This calls for reevaluating the function and application of corporate real estate. Since the labor force is likely to become more automated at the same time, resilience is essential. Conceptual Framework of this study is based on the financial inclusion and FinTech concepts which are the main variables guiding the study and it is underpinned by the theories of diffusion of innovation and the Financial Intermediation.

E-commerce and air pollution: Evidence from China

E-commerce serves as an important link between the digital economy and the real economy, and contributes positively to income growth. In the face of resource constraints and serious environmental pollution, it is equally relevant to examine the environmental effects of e-commerce. Based on county panel data for China from 2011 to 2018, this study uses a difference in differences (DID) model to investigate the impact of Rural E-Commerce Demonstration County (REDC) policy on air pollution. This study reveals that the demonstration policy exacerbates air pollution in counties and the pollution effect is regionally heterogeneous. Additionally, the increase in temperature and precipitation weakens the pollution effects of the demonstration policy. Mechanism analysis indicates that the demonstration policy can promote the development of the secondary industry and digital financial inclusion at the county level, which subsequently leads to the deterioration of local air quality. Further analysis of costs and benefits reveals that the significant positive economic effects resulting from the demonstration policy far outweigh the indirect economic losses caused by air pollution. Therefore, when local governments actively promote the development of e-commerce in rural areas, they should also attach great importance to its potential negative environmental externalities.

Environmental protection tax policy and corporate risk-taking: Evidence from China

The fight against pollution problems has sparked a myriad of Environmental Protection Tax (EPT) policies by governments across the globe. However, it remains unclear whether and how EPT affects the level of corporate risk-taking. To narrow the gap, this research selects the EPT policy implemented in 2018 as a quasi-natural experiment to test the effect of EPT on the level of corporate risk-taking by using the sample of Chinese listed firms from 2014 to 2022. The result finds that EPT could dampen the level of corporate risk-taking. Mechanism analysis shows that, the increased market attention, elevated financing costs, and raised investment in end-of-pipe pollution control are the mechanisms by which EPT reduces the level of corporate risk-taking. The “market pressure hypothesis” and “resource dependence hypothesis” of corporate risk-taking can help us better understand these three paths. Moreover, the heterogeneity analysis reveals that the disincentive effect is more pronounced in small enterprises, and those with high financing constraints and low institutional investor ownership. Meanwhile, the disincentive effect is also more pronounced for enterprises located in regions with underdeveloped digital financial inclusion and strong law enforcement. Overall, our findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of EPT on corporate risk-taking at the micro level and provide valuable insights for targeted policy enhancements.

Inequalities in internet use among older people between 2004 and 2021

Although research already examined sociodemographic profiles of older internet (non-)users, it is unknown how combinations of sociodemographic factors relate to internet (non-)use. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the cumulative impact of sociodemographic characteristics on internet (non-)use among people aged 60 and older between 2004 and 2021, using representative survey data derived from the Belgian Ageing Studies (n = 61 376). Logistic regression analyses consistently associated low education, age 80 or older, low income and female gender with higher probabilities of being internet non-user between 2004 an 2021. CHAID analysis revealed that education and age are the strongest predictors of non-use. The cumulative impact of sociodemographic factors enables to reveal subgroups where prevalence rates of non-use are almost three times higher than the prevalence reported in the population of older people in general. The result that 80.1 percent of individuals aged 80 and above with limited education did not use the internet underscores the need for a comprehensive digital inclusion approach, including strategies to overcome economic barriers to internet access and tailored internet training initiatives addressing digital skills and motivation. CHAID results help policymakers and internet training providers identify subgroups with high prevalence rates of non-users and target interventions to those at a high risk of digital exclusion.

Can Social Security Bridge the Digital Divide-Induced Relative Poverty? Evidence from CFPS 2020

Digital inequality has emerged as a critical socioeconomic challenge in the era of rapid technological advancement, particularly in developing economies transitioning from absolute to relative poverty reduction. While extensive research has explored various dimensions of the digital divide, limited attention has been paid to its causal relationship with relative poverty and the potential mitigating role of social protection systems. This knowledge gap is particularly significant in China, where despite remarkable progress in poverty alleviation, the interplay between digital exclusion, social security, and relative poverty remains understudied. Herein, we employ a multi-method approach combining instrumental variable analysis, propensity score matching, and quantile regression using the China Family Panel Studies 2020 data to examine these relationships. Our findings reveal that the digital divide significantly increases the likelihood of relative poverty, with a one standard deviation increase in digital exclusion associated with a 5.3 percentage point higher probability of experiencing relative poverty. Notably, social security coverage moderates this relationship, reducing the marginal effect of digital exclusion by 0.65 percentage points for each additional social protection program. These results advance our understanding of technological inequality by demonstrating how institutional factors can mediate the relationship between digital exclusion and economic outcomes, while highlighting the need for integrated policy approaches that combine digital inclusion initiatives with enhanced social protection measures to address emerging forms of poverty in increasingly digitalized societies.

Promoting Digital Inclusion through Public-Private Partnerships for Older Adults in Nigeria: A Review

Promoting Digital Inclusion through Public-Private Partnerships for Older Adults in Nigeria: A Review

Unveiling layers of inclusion in political spaces

This study explores the intricate dimensions of inclusion within political spaces in Zimbabwe. It examines representation and intersectionality to explore how diverse perspectives among different interest groups in society contribute to a more comprehensive and equitable political landscape in Zimbabwe. Additionally, it investigates the role of digital inclusion, and community empowerment in fostering genuine participation. The study dissects the layers of inclusion required for a strong democratic system with an emphasis on youth involvement and the value of civic education. Through emphasising transparency, accountability, and a global perspective, this research article provides a holistic understanding of how political spaces can evolve to embrace diversity and ensure the active engagement of all citizens. The study is informed by the theory of intersectionality and offers a deep understanding of how multiple dimensions of identity, such as race, gender, class, and sexuality, intersect to influence individuals' experiences of political representation and participation. Through applying the intersectionality theory, the study examines how individuals with intersecting identities face unique barriers and challenges when it comes to accessing and engaging with political spaces. It reveals how privilege and power systems interact and function within political frameworks, influencing the opportunities and experiences that various groups have. To achieve the main goal, the study employs a qualitative approach to examine the dimensions of inclusion within political spaces in Zimbabwe. The qualitative constituent involved in-depth interviews and focus groups with diverse stakeholders, including politicians, community leaders, and purported relegated groups, to gather insights into their experiences and perceptions of inclusion. Additionally, a survey was conducted among a representative sample of the population to gather data on their attitudes toward political inclusion and their level of engagement in political processes. This enabled a broader understanding of the overall landscape of inclusivity.