The Impact of Digital Inequality on IT Identity in the Light of Inequalities in Internet Access

Authors

  • Roland Kelemen
  • Joseph Squillace
  • Richárd Németh
  • Justice Cappella

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54148/ELTELJ.2024.2.173

Keywords:

technology inequality, digital inequality, IT identity, human rights to Internet access, misinformation, disinformation

Abstract

This article investigates the relationship between the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Internet access, focusing on how digital connectivity influences the achievement of these global objectives. This research examines digital inequalities in access, usage, skills and outcomes through a mixed-methods approach, including statistical analysis and case studies. The findings indicate a strong correlation between Internet access and progression towards the European sustainability goals related to education quality, gender equality and industry innovation. In particular, it can be shown that where Internet access indicators are lower, digital literacy and IT identity scores are also lower for society as a whole, impacting both the quality of education and social mobility, while simultaneously reducing the economic competitiveness of the respective state. We can also see that these societies have a more patriarchal approach, negatively impacting the social status of women (although the COVID-19 epidemic negatively impacted social resilience, too) while further harming progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal associated with education. Significant disparities are also identified, particularly affecting rural areas, women, children and marginalised communities. The article futher explores IT identity, revealing that a strong IT identity enhances digital inclusion and empowerment. Article results highlight the necessity of addressing digital inequalities to ensure the equitable distribution of digital benefits and advocating for Internet access as a fundamental right essential to achieving global sustainability and Internet equality.

Author Biographies

Roland Kelemen

Dr Roland Kelemen PhD, Associate Professor, Széchenyi István University, Deák Ferenc Faculty of Law and Political Sciences. ORCID iD: 0000-0002-5419-8425. Roland Kelemen: The article was supported by the University Researcher Scholarship Programme (EKÖP-24-4-II-SZE-72), funded by the Ministry for Culture and Innovation from the source of the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund.

Joseph Squillace

Dr Joseph Squillace PhD, Assistant Professor, Penn State University. ORCID iD: 0000-0003-4227-5144.

Richárd Németh

Richárd Németh, Assistant Lecturer, Széchenyi István University, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Informatics and Electrical Engineering. ORCID iD: 0009-0004-2533-2375. The article was suported by the the University Researcher Scholarship Programme (EKÖP-24-3-I-SZE-54), funded by the Ministry for Culture and Innovation from the source of the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund.

Justice Cappella

Justice Cappella, Graduate Research Assistant, Penn State University. ORCID iD: 0009-0009-9788-9582.

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Published

2025-01-20

Issue

Section

Symposium