Digital Divide: Civic Engagement, Information Poverty, and the Internet Worldwide
Abstract
There is widespread concern that the growth of the Internet is exacerbating inequalities between the information rich and poor. Digital Divide examines access and use of the Internet in 179 nations world-wide. A global divide is evident between industrialized and developing societies. A social divide is apparent between rich and poor within each nation. Within the online community, evidence for a democratic divide is emerging between those who do and do not use Internet resources to engage and participate in public life. Part I outlines the theoretical debate between cyber-optimists who see the Internet as the great leveler. Part II examines the virtual political system and the way that representative institutions have responded to new opportunities on the Internet. Part III analyzes how the public has responded to these opportunities in Europe and the United States and develops the civic engagement model to explain patterns of participation via the Internet.
... Research on digital inequality has extensively explored disparities in access to, use of, and benefits from digital technologies within and across societies (Norris, 2001; van Dijk, 2017;Warschauer, 2003). As technological advancements increasing impact daily life, access to digital services and opportunities is no longer optional but a necessity. ...
... The digital divide traditionally refers to the disparity in access to digital technologies, primarily focusing on the gap between those who have access to digital tools and those who do not (Parsons & Hick, 2008;Perera et al., 2023). Over time, disparities related to the digital divide have been further expanded through the lenses of second-and third-level digital divides, with focuses on digital skills and digital outcomes, respectively (Norris, 2001;van Deursen & van Dijk, 2014). In this context, ensuring affordable access to technological devices and developing adequate digital skills are essential strategies for mitigating the digital divide issue. ...
... Beyond issues of access, digital equity emphasizes the fair distribution of opportunities and benefits for all segments of society, particularly for marginalized popula-tions, to enable full participation in digital economy and society (Perera et al., 2023). This perspective is closely tied to social inclusion, as a lack of digital access and skills can lead to broader societal exclusion (Norris, 2001;Tapia et al., 2011). Therefore, addressing systemic barriers has been central to discussions on digital equity. ...
As digital transformation drives technological change and innovation, digital inclusion becomes critical for enhancing individuals’ economic, social, and political opportunities. However, its conceptualization and measurement remain underdeveloped in context-specific backgrounds. This study aims to construct a digital inclusion framework for indexing the level of digital inclusion. Using expert surveys conducted in South Korea in 2023 and the analytical hierarchy process, this study empirically validates a structured approach to measure an individual level of digital inclusion. The results confirmed three dimensions of digital inclusion in terms of access, competency, and usage, each comprising multiple subcategories and indicators. Among three characteristics of digital inclusion, both access and usage hold the highest weight, followed by competency. These findings underscore the foundational role of digital access and usage in fostering inclusive digital growth, providing a practical assessment framework to ensure equitable digital participation across diverse contexts.
... The rapid spread of the information society also raises the issue of digital inequality. Norris (2001) treated the issue as a multidimensional set of phenomena with global, social, and democratic dimensions. The present study focuses on the social dimension of the issue, which Norris (2001) defined as digital inequality within a given country or social group in terms of access, use, and competence. ...
... Norris (2001) treated the issue as a multidimensional set of phenomena with global, social, and democratic dimensions. The present study focuses on the social dimension of the issue, which Norris (2001) defined as digital inequality within a given country or social group in terms of access, use, and competence. Furthermore, Norris (2001) found the social digital divide to develop along the following demographic indicators: income, education, age, ethnicity, and regional affiliation. ...
... The present study focuses on the social dimension of the issue, which Norris (2001) defined as digital inequality within a given country or social group in terms of access, use, and competence. Furthermore, Norris (2001) found the social digital divide to develop along the following demographic indicators: income, education, age, ethnicity, and regional affiliation. ...
Studying the efficiency of information and communication technology (ICT) in education is a relevant issue today, as it is important to exploit the development of digital competence at all levels of education (Drent and Meelissen 2008). In this paper, the digital competence of teachers at the Ludovika University of Public Service (hereinafter: LUPS) (N=824) was investigated through the DigCompEdu self-assessment questionnaire. First, we hypothesized that, although teachers’ digital competences may need to be improved, their motivation to use digital technologies in the classroom is positive. Second, we assume that independent variables (e.g., age, gender, having a doctoral degree) would affect the teachers’ digital competences. According to the results, the majority of the teachers are open to integrating new ideas and methodological innovations in the classroom, willing to test new methods, and creative and critical in the use of different digital solutions.
... Studies have shown that differences in motivational, material, and skills access contribute to three socio-demographic gaps in most developed and democratic countries regarding the intensity of SMU: a 'socioeconomic gap, ' a 'gender gap, ' and an 'age gap' (di Gennaro & Dutton, 2006;Quintelier & Vissers, 2008). In terms of forms of SMU, research has focused on how access differences create or maintain a 'democratic divide' between those who can and cannot use the Internet and social media for political purposes (Matthews, 2021;Mossberger et al., 2003;Norris, 2001). These trends have led normalization theorists to view social media as reinforcing the status quo (e.g., Dalton, 2017), and they generally suggest that OPP is primarily influenced by political and social resources or a reflection of offline political participation (Bonfadelli, 2002;Matthews, 2021;Oates et al., 2006;van Dijk, 2005van Dijk, , 2006. ...
... Our finding aligns with prior research suggesting that SMU can act as a facilitator for civic engagement and participatory behaviors (Bennett & Segerberg, 2012;Theocharis & van Deth, 2017). This observation lends empirical support to the mobilization hypothesis and challenges the belief that technological advances in communication simply mirror existing participatory patterns (Norris, 2001). ...
Social media has been considered to facilitate more online political participation (OPP) due to being less bounded by time and space constraints. However, in the context of normalization theory, social media use (SMU) might merely reflect the status quo, not facilitating additional engagement. Although extant studies on ‘who participates online’ raise the question of the critical factors of OPP, these studies only consider whether contacts between individuals have increased. Furthermore, according to mobilization theory, the effect of networks composed by SMU on OPP was empirically vague. Whether mobilization results in increased or decreased OPP may vary depending on the characteristics of the network. We exploit an instrumental variable to address these limitations and lacunas. The reasons are as follows: Firstly, without using an instrumental variable, adequately verifying the mobilization hypothesis is challenging due to reverse causality and contrasting expectations derived from normalization theory. Secondly, while the coefficient’s sign is crucial for measuring the effects of homophily and heterophily, not using instrumental variables risks underestimating these effects. In conclusion, the models that employ the instrumental variable demonstrate a considerably larger effect size compared to others. Therefore, it appears that greater SMU correlates with increased OPP, supporting the theoretical claims that social media can promote participation and the mobilization hypothesis.
... However, relatively little work traces inequality through the full digital civic participation process for a given platform. Most studies of inequality in digitally-mediated civic participation take participation as the end point of the process (Büchi & Vogler, 2017;Carpini & Scott, 2002;Hindman, 2009;Mcneal & Tolbert, 2003;Nam, 2012;Norris, ☆ Research partially funded by the World Bank.The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not reflect the position of the United States Military 2001) and papers that do focus on the policy response to digital civic participation tend not to link these outcomes to data on who participated (Clark et al., 2013). ...
... A key concern in these studies is the perception that the digital divide, combined with unequal participation, could reinforce existing disadvantages for marginalized groups (e.g. Norris, 2001;Van Dijk, 2023;Warschauer, 2003) such as by favoring richer and more educated people (Bimber & Davis, 2003, p. 166;Gibson & Ward, 2003). However, other studies argue that inequalities in digital access favor traditionally underrepresented sections of society such as young people or time-poor workers (Dahlberg, 2001) meaning the digital divide may reduce inequalities in political participation. ...
... Young people heavily utilize online forums for political engagement. Nevertheless, certain individuals are hindered from engaging equally in political processes due to constraints such as limited internet access and lack of digital literacy (Norris, 2001). ...
This article explores the development of cultural identities on digital platforms and the influence of these identities on political and social interactions. This analysis centers on the impact of digital revolution on cultural diversity and the creation of online identity politics. Online platforms enable individuals to express and reinforce their cultural identities, but they can also facilitate cultural conflicts. The article examines the political and social consequences of the development of cultural identities on the internet and explores topics such as safeguarding or stifling diversity. Hence, comprehending the impacts of digital transformation on cultural identities is a substantial challenge and potential for political decision-makers. This article seeks to enhance comprehension of cultural identities and politics on online platforms within political and social contexts.
... Socioeconomic inclusion acknowledges the need to address IS inclusion disparities related to income, education and socioeconomic status (Norris, 2001), and sociocultural and linguistic inclusion involves ensuring that the IS is inclusive of different sociocultural backgrounds and linguistic groups and promotes the preservation and representation of cultural diversity in the digital space (Graham, 2011;Warschauer, 2004). Jenkins (2006) also highlights the need for a participatory culture in the context of new media, where users are not only consumers but also content creators who contribute to and shape the development of IS. ...
... Sie stellen damit auch die Verbindung zwischen Medien-und Politikkompetenz her . Norris (2001) betont die Bedeutung von Medien (und deren medienkompetenter Nutzung) für den politischen Sozialisationsprozess, die politische Partizipation und das gesellschaftliche Engagement, das -so die Annahme -durch Mediennutzung mobilisiert bzw . verstärkt werden könne (Mobilisierungshypothese bzw . ...
... The digital divide is not merely a matter of access to technology; it encompasses issues of digital literacy, social capital, and the ability to participate fully in the digital economy. Norris (2001) further explores the implications of this divide for civic engagement, arguing that information poverty can hinder individuals' ability to participate in democratic processes. As such, addressing the digital divide is imperative for fostering inclusive societies where all individuals have the opportunity to engage meaningfully with media and participate in civic life. ...
The role of media in community development is indispensable in today's interconnected world. Through traditional and digital forms, media serves as a crucial tool in fostering awareness, participation, inclusivity, and empowerment within communities. This article explores how media contributes to social change, promotes public engagement, and amplifies the voices of marginalized groups. The study highlights the media's influence in strengthening social cohesion and supporting sustainable community development by utilizing secondary data analysis from academic articles, reports from international organizations, government publications, and case studies. The findings underscore the significance of media as a catalyst for positive transformation, enabling communities to address challenges and drive collective progress. Media also plays a vital role in empowering marginalized groups, providing them with a platform to express their concerns. The study demonstrates how media drives social change, enhances public engagement, and reinforces inclusivity in community development, ultimately supporting sustainable development goals. ABSTRAK Peran media dalam pengembangan komunitas sangat penting di era yang saling terhubung seperti saat ini. Melalui berbagai bentuknya, baik media tradisional maupun digital, media menjadi alat utama dalam meningkatkan kesadaran, partisipasi, inklusivitas, dan pemberdayaan dalam komunitas. Artikel ini mengeksplorasi bagaimana media berkontribusi terhadap perubahan sosial, mendorong keterlibatan publik, dan memperkuat suara kelompok yang terpinggirkan. Dengan menggunakan analisis data sekunder, penelitian ini menyoroti pengaruh media dalam mempererat kohesi sosial serta mendukung pembangunan komunitas yang berkelanjutan. Hasil penelitian menegaskan bahwa media merupakan katalisator perubahan positif yang memungkinkan komunitas untuk menghadapi tantangan dan mendorong kemajuan bersama. Kata Kunci: Media, pengembangan komunitas, perubahan sosial, inklusivitas, pemberdayaan Journal Homepage: https://fahruddin.org/index.php/smart 56
... Therefore, while there is recognition of some of the political constraints imposed by DT, the advocates of this approach still hold, albeit more sophisticated, instrumentalist views of DT, whereby critical citizens and social movements can employ these views in progressive and radical ways. The appropriation of DT by social movements to disseminate information and facilitate networking, organisation and mobilisation (Norris, 2001;Treré, 2019) is the evidence used by this approach to hold the view of DT as a potential tool to pursue social justice ends. ...
Over the last two decades, online safety education has emerged as a new field of research focusing on concerns about a myriad of cyber risks. These risks range from online sexual exploitation through to the reproduction of social inequalities. The main assumption underlying this field is that online risks can be mitigated via educational interventions, and significant discrepancies can be observed between the proposed approaches to online safety education. In this article, we develop an analytical model based on prevalent concepts of digital citizenship and narratives of technologies to identify four different approaches to online safety education in the academic literature; that is, safeguarding, equipping, empowering and resisting. Each of these approaches draws on different assumptions on what constitutes as ‘online risk’ and ‘digital education’. Through a systematic literature review, we analyse 75 journal articles and examine the approaches to online safety education that these studies adopt. Our analysis reveals a dominance of approaches that adopt limited concepts of digital citizenship and acritical views of technology.
Context and implications
This article provides an analytical framework that transposes concepts of digital citizenship with narratives of technology. This framework is used to identify approaches towards online safety education in the literature.
The review found a problematic dominance of acritical views of digital citizenship and technology, which overlook the socio‐political contexts and implications of online safety education.
As this framework considers a broader and more politically situated range of online risks (from cyberbullying and digital exclusion through to discriminatory design and the tyranny of algorithms) and educational solutions (i.e., safeguarding, equipping, empowering and resisting), it serves to enrich current debates about ‘digital risks’ and has the potential to assist policymakers, researchers and educators to make critically informed decisions regarding online safety education.
... Isso poderia ser pensado e discutido numa perspectiva espacial, a exemplo do campo e da cidade e de países do Norte e do Sul global, assim como numa perspectiva interna às sociedades (raça, gênero e outros). Um dos principais trabalhos que exemplificam o primeiro nível dos estudos sobre o fosso digital foi produzido por Noris (2001), que estudou o acesso à internet em 179 países. De acordo com a autora, naquele momento era visível a existência de um fosso entre o que ela chama de países industrializados e sociedades em desenvolvimento. ...
... In the various attempts to construct and conceptualize the term digital gap as a category of analysis, some authors, including Norris (2001), base their work on the assumption of the importance of ICTs and the Internet for improving productivity and their potential for participation in the global economy. For the case of developing countries, the author presents three levels of gap: between nations (global gap), between the info-rich and the info-poor (social gap) and between those who use the potential of the Internet to increase their participation in the political process and those who do not (democratic gap). ...
The book addresses the issue of digital inclusion from a gender perspective. Although it is an essay book, it applies an exhaustive documentary review, the analysis of public policy discourse and current discussions in the field of cyberculture in its argumentation. It is the result of several research and academic experiences on the matter with the Laboratorio de la Historia Global del Ciberespacio (LAGHCIB - Lab. Global History & Cyberspace) Network.It also provides a context of the technological transformation, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women’s lives, and the historical framework in the access to technology, an inequality that, together with other historical disadvantages, leads to digital gaps, mainly in the way of knowing and describing the world. From an interpretation of governmentality, this text presents an archaeological analysis of the ICT public policies, and then interconnects it with cognitive capitalism and cultural colonialism theories as structural factors of such inequality.The book aims to understand these emerging complexities as part of the search for alternatives and ways to use technology to promote participation and good living. It is a critical and reflective look at cyberculture from a gender perspective that is ethically, geographically and politically located in Latin America and is part of a path of research, experiences and understandings that the author considers useful to contribute to science, technology and society in the field of gender studies.
... But the ones with traditional mindset and peer groups still. (Norris, 2001) explains, the trust in political institutions is nearly linked to trust in media which significantly influences public perceptions of institutional transparency and credibility. (Sonia Livingstone, 2008) proceeds, political talk shows are base of Pakistani television. ...
Television is considered a powerful mass medium, which is not only meant for dissemination and analyzing the news but also the credibility and worth of news line being broadcasted. The influence of TV news channels has been massive from 21st century. The aim of this research is to take the opinion of youth to check the credibility of TV news in Pakistan as compare to the news shared on social media. (Zuzana Rojková, 2015) explores, television has got acceptance as compared to the other media on the issue of prime importance. Everyone wants to know about the happenings around the world and put trust in news channels and the masses without critical thinking accepts all the information. People use internet frequently but still questions the credibility as compare to the traditional media. (Johnson, 1998) further concluded the study that people do have credibility issues with traditional media but they are neglected because they are very less as compare to digital media. This quantitative research is based on survey methodology. By applying purposive sampling technique on 116 students selected from private universities; UMT and USKT of Sialkot Pakistan. The data was collected from media department students of private university by using 5 Likert close ended questionnaire. 46.6% of respondents agree that political parties influence TV news, and 22.4% strongly agree. 40.5% of respondents agree that they trust Pakistani news channels over international ones, while 24.1% remain neutral. This suggests a moderate level of trust. 50.9% of respondents still prefer TV news over social media, suggesting a foundation for rebuilding trust through better reporting.
... Die Digitalisierung wurde lange Zeit als große Chance zur politischen Mobilisierung über Onlinekanäle angesehen (Norris 2001 Die jüngere Generation galt lange Zeit als politisch desinteressierte, beteiligungsferne und schwer erreichbare Gruppe, die aber stark durch die Digitalisierung beeinflusst werden kann. Insofern wurden der Digitalisierung und den neuen Kanälen im Internet eine besondere Rolle bei der Sozialisation zugewiesen. ...
... The Digital Divide Theory, articulated by Norris (2001), directly addresses the disparities in access to and use of digital technologies, particularly the internet. Norris categorizes the digital divide into two primary components: the access divide, which refers to the availability of technology and infrastructure, and the usage divide, which concerns how individuals use technology and their ability to navigate digital platforms effectively. ...
The digital divide, a persistent disparity in access to technology and the internet, has become a significant barrier to equitable online education. This paper explores the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to ensure equal access to online learning resources for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic status, geographical location, or disability. It examines how gaps in digital infrastructure, affordability, and digital literacy disproportionately affect underprivileged communities, limiting their opportunities for quality education. Furthermore, the paper investigates policy measures, technological innovations, and community-driven initiatives that could bridge these gaps, fostering a more inclusive educational landscape. By analyzing both the challenges and potential solutions, this paper aims to contribute to the ongoing conversation about the role of technology in achieving educational equity and empowering all learners in the digital age.
... • Digital Divide: The Metaverse could accentuate existing inequalities for those who cannot afford or access the requisite technology (Norris, 2001). • Ownership and Control: Even though the Metaverse should be decentralised, large tech companies could still exert significant influence. ...
Throughout the history of Web2.0 there is a large body of evidence of data being used for something other than what it was consented to be used for. What were 2D webpages are becoming 3D worlds, collectively forming a Metaverse of virtual and mixed reality domains which should help to create new interactive learning, social and economic opportunities. In this paper we reflect on how the physical world will itself become a networked interface, making reality even more machine-readable, click-able, and searchable. We begin with a review of the Metaverse and some of the consent challenges that arise and urgently need to be addressed whilst exploring its potential. There is a core need for creators of Metaverse environments to make them safe spaces for everyone to use. We explore and review the knowledge gap of consent needed to ensure a fair and just use of data within the Metaverse. We explore the challenges of consent including examples such as unauthorised surveillance and the need for ethical and moral standards in large platforms such as VRChat. This need is then further elaborated using experiences gathered during the XPRIZE Rapid Re-skilling Competition. The main contributions of this paper are the five stage Shared Consent Framework which was developed in response to understanding the limitations of existing consent frameworks and the extended definition of the Metaverse.
Siyasi parti örgütlerinin içsel yapısını ve bu örgütlerin üyelerinin psikolojik dinamiklerini anlamaya yönelik kapsamlı bir inceleme sunmaktır. Demokratik süreçlerin vazgeçilmez birer aktörü olan siyasi parti örgütleri, toplumun farklı kesimlerini temsil ederek politikaların belirlenmesinde ve uygulanmasında etkili bir rol oynamaktadır. Siyasi bilim, psikoloji ve sosyoloji disiplinlerini bir araya getirerek siyasi parti örgütlerinin içsel dinamiklerini daha iyi anlamak ve bu anlayışı politika yapımında ve parti yönetiminde kullanışlı stratejilere dönüştürmektir. Siyasi parti örgütlerinin iç dinamiklerini, liderlik yapılarını ve üye motivasyonlarını anlamak adına değerli bir iç görüdür.
This study was carried out to determine select Nigerian newspapers’ coverage of the
2023 Kogi State Governorship Election. The researchers content analysed two Nigerian
dailies (The Nation and Vanguard newspapers). The newspapers were considered based
on defined criteria such as wide coverage, rank, ownership structure and distribution
across the country. The population covers the editions of the select newspapers published
from 10 August to 10 November 2023 (3 months) which was the period of gubernatorial
election campaigns and subsequent election in Kogi State. The findings showed that the
newspapers did not give much importance to the Kogi governorship election in terms of
story placement (while 46 stories were placed on the inside pages, 11 stories appeared on
the front-page lead, 15 stories appeared on the front page and 1 story appeared on the
back page). This shows that the studied newspapers did not give prominence to the Kogi
governorship election, thus failing in their agenda-setting role. The findings also showed
that various news formats were used in coverage of the Kogi gubernatorial election
within the period investigated. Although, straight news was predominantly used by the
two newspapers, the two studied newspapers had 51 (70%) straight news stories. Based
on the findings, it was concluded that the 2023 Kogi governorship election was not
frequently covered during the studied period. Thus, the researchers among others
recommended that Nigerian newspapers should report election issues regularly to inform
and educate the public on the need to vote and participate in the electoral process.
The process of urban areas' transformation into smart cities with the help of smart cyber-physical systems (SCPS) is one of the most defining trends of modern urbanism. It requires a multifaceted perspective of smart cities, thereby evaluating the facets of SCPS intently concerning the complexities of their integration in urban structures while exploring their influence that transcends the domains of social sciences and economics, which has become crucial. In this context, smart cities are constructed as integrated systems at the crossroads of the digital and the physical: they sustain, facilitate, and improve the performance of the city's functions and living environment. The importance of technological environments in orientation and close consideration of SCPS reveals the functions in gathering data, immediate analysis, and decision-making processes of urban management.
The formulation and development of cultural policies are important for achieving the social goals set by states. In this context, all kinds of cultural activities should be supported, protected, and developed. Transferring the evidence of the social culture's history to the digital environment through artificial intelligence (AI) may lead to copyright issues for the works. States make and implement legal regulations to solve copyright issues arising from digitalization. Preservation of the copyrights for the artifacts exhibited at the Ephesus Experience Museum, where artifacts of the ancient city of Ephesus are exhibited with a realistic experience, is important. The fact that the Ephesus Experience Museum was designed with the support of the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism helps prevent problems that may arise regarding copyrights.
The rapid advancement of technology is ushering in a social revolution that transcends traditional boundaries. This revolution impacts various facets of society, including labor and employment, education and skills, social disparities, privacy and security, health and wellness, environment and sustainability, and cultural and social change. Key technological drivers include Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), and Quantum Computing. These technologies reshape industries and societal norms, influencing productivity, remote collaboration, manufacturing, customer experience, and education. Case studies and prospects of Society 5.0 encompass the realization of Smart Cities, healthcare innovations, educational transformations, smart agriculture, e-government initiatives, smart retail, crowdsourcing, automated driving technology, digital twin applications, robotics, autonomous systems, and quantum computing. Metaverse and XR technology offer immense potential to enhance the industry by providing immersive experiences, facilitating collaboration in virtual spaces, conducting business activities, and bridging the gap between the real and virtual domains.
This chapter observes the role of digital infrastructure (DI) in social sustainability (SS) and vice-versa in selected 63 countries. It develops digital infrastructure index (DII) and social sustainability index (SSI) for these countries using a descriptive statistical analysis. The DII and SSI are the composite indexes of the most suitable variables that help to promote DI and SS, respectively. Thus, it explains the measurement of SS and DI in the theoretical literature. Accordingly, the explanation of these countries in DI and SS are explained. Thereupon, it formulates log-linear regression models to detect the causal association of SS and DI during 2010–2022. It also describes the various dimensions of SS and DI that are conducive to increasing sustainable development and digitalization. The interconnection of SS with DI is also explained in detail. It also infers that SS and DI are essential to achieve SDGs. It emphasizes that global countries cannot achieve sustainable development without SS, and creating appropriate DI. The regression results imply that DI is supportive to increase SS, and SS also enhances DI. FDI, scientific research articles, gross domestic product, GDP per person employed, and gross capital formation are found to be favorable indicators for promoting DI and SS. Population growth and population density produce a negative impact on DI and SS. It comes with certain policy proposals for improving SS and DI in these countries. It recommends an authentic research direction to conduct more research in the area of SS and digitalization, and their enhancing factors in the global countries.
This chapter explores the critical role of territorial contexts in shaping modern political sentiments of powerlessness and frustration. While discontent is often studied through individual-level factors, recent research highlights the profound influence of geographical and contextual elements. Building on concepts such as Katherine J. Cramer’s “rural consciousness” and the “geography of discontent” framework, the chapter examines how territorial marginalization and historical economic trajectories influence political attitudes and behaviors, with case studies from Latin America, Europe, and the United States. It argues for a shift from the “geography of voting” to a “geography of discontent”, underscoring the need to address attitudinal dimensions often overlooked in traditional analyses. The chapter delves into Latin American protests, such as Chile’s 2019 demonstrations, to illustrate how unmet expectations and perceptions of neglect fuel political resentment. Unlike Europe and the U.S., where discontent often channels into populist narratives, the Latin American experience highlights diverse expressions of dissatisfaction, including protests and abstention. Furthermore, the chapter introduces tools for understanding the democratizing potential of digital platforms, particularly for marginalized groups. By integrating territorial and digital dimensions, this work provides a multidisciplinary framework to examine political disaffection, offering insights for addressing democratic challenges in diverse contexts.
The preliminary vignette (green web hosting for a sustainable future) introduces the core focus of this chapter that clarifies how sustainable digital marketers could contribute to society and environment, while underpinning their profit-making venture. Following the discussion on background, scope, and key definitions, the chapter first discusses the digital environment and the digital marketing dynamics. Discussions here include the technological environment, and the impact of information technology on marketers and customers. Second, the chapter introduces the concept of sustainable digital marketing and its key considerations. Discussions in this part of the chapter include digital channels and their applications for sustainable digital marketing. Third, digital touchpoints, customer journey mapping, and customer experience are discussed. Fourth, database marketing and other embryonic digital technologies and their implications for sustainable marketing are discussed. Fifth, the discussions are evolved to demonstrate how tech-savvy firms shorten the marketing cycle and can understand the tech-readiness of a target market. Sixth, digital marketing, marketing ethics, and regulations are discussed. Similar to all other chapters of this core sustainable marketing textbook, this digital marketing chapter also presents a number of practical cases throughout its different sections and subsections to demonstrate how sustainable digital marketers successfully pursue the triple bottom line, namely, People, Planet, and Profit, and contribute to our global pursuit of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The last section of this chapter summarizes these practical examples of sustainable digital marketing that help us pursue the SDGs.
Dans le cadre du projet Casablanca smart city la participation citoyenne se présente comme un levier pour renforcer l'engagement des habitants dans les processus de décision urbaine, notamment par l'intermédiaire de plateformes numériques. Dans cette démarche, nous visons à instaurer une gouvernance plus inclusive, où les citoyens peuvent s'exprimer et influencer le développement de leur ville. Cette transformation numérique se base sur l'usage des nouvelles technologies de l'information et de la communication afin d'assurer une gestion urbaine de qualité pour la ville. Cependant, plusieurs facteurs influent sur l'engagement des casablancais dans cette perspective. En ce sens, la présente recherche examine les principaux déterminants de la participation en ligne des casablancais dans la gestion et le développement de leur ville. En s'appuyant sur une revue de littérature exhaustive existante et une méthodologie qualitative, la présente étude identifie plusieurs facteurs clés qui expliquent les motivations et les freins des habitants de Casablanca à s'impliquer dans une approche participative en ligne. A l’issu de cette exploration, les résultats de ce papier permettront de
mettre en lumière les principaux déterminants de la participation numérique des citoyens dans la gestion des affaires de leur ville
Esta compilación académica ofrece un panorama integral y actualizado sobre la gestión en el ámbito educativo, que abarca dimensiones pedagógicas, comunitarias y su interrelación. Los once capítulos, organizados en dos secciones, exploran prioridades como la gestión participativa, la evaluación por competencias, el impacto de la tecnología en la educación y la importancia del contexto familiar en el desarrollo de los estudiantes. La gestión educativa trasciende hacia la colaboración intersectorial, la capacitación y reflexión continua, así como la promoción de la participación y el pensamiento crítico. Se destaca la importancia de abordar los desafíos socioemocionales y educativos de manera integral y colaborativa. Esta obra es una herramienta para educadores, directivos, investigadores e interesados en los engranajes de la gestión educativa. Su enfoque multidisciplinario y su énfasis en la participación de la comunidad la convierten en una lectura indispensable para adaptación y transformación de las exigencias educativas contemporáneas.
Human cybersecurity behavior is an intensely debated topic among researchers and practitioners; however, most approaches highlight forms of hegemonic knowledge centered on Eurocentric paradigms. This research delineates and analyzes the main trends in the spectrum of human cybersecurity relations through a bibliometric analysis of relevant Web of Science publications from 2000 to 2024 (N = 910) and a subsequent thematic review. Our time-zone analysis shows a gradual transition of this knowledge field from hard manifestations of power (such as computer crime or cyberterrorism) to softer and “exotic” forms of power (such as the metaverse, innovation, persuasion, or cryptocurrency). In addition, utilizing the Foucauldian power/knowledge framework within the cybersecurity spectrum, we identify the emergence of alternative forms of counter-knowledge that have been poorly debated in the literature: Global South knowledge highlights the cybersecurity discourses and practices that emerge from the Eurocentric contexts and also presents cybersecurity challenges from underrepresented cultural spaces. While ethically-oriented knowledge highlights alternative forms of cyberbehavior, such as ethical hacking, ideologically-oriented knowledge highlights social categories that are disproportionately disadvantaged in cyberspace, such as women, sexual, racial minorities, or other structural victims debated within a decolonialist framework.
The study examined effect of digital economy on economic sustainability with the moderating effect of governance quality. The study covered the period of 28 years spanning from 1995 to 2022 across five selected countries in Africa. The study employed ex-pos facto research design and secondary source of data was used and the data was sourced from World Bank Data Indicators. The study focused on five African countries which were chosen based on their nominal gross domestic product which are Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Algeria, Ethiopia (NEESA). The estimation techniques used was Panel VAR and Panel ARDL. It was evidenced that digital economy has positive and governance quality have effect on economic sustainability among the African countries in the long run. Also, it was found that the interaction between governance quality and digital economy improve the long run relationship between the digital economy and economic sustainability among the African countries in the long run. It can be concluded that digital economy and governance quality promote economic sustainability. In addition, governance quality enhanced the relationship between digital economy and economic sustainability. Thus, in view of this, the study recommended that government should put mechanism in place that will expand information technology and the global knowledge economy in order to prime sustainable Economy. Also, the governance quality should be promoted among the African countries.
Zusammenfassung
Der Artikel stellt Theorien zum Zusammenhang von gesellschaftlicher Polarisierung und Online-Medien seit den 2000er-Jahren vor. Er nutzt dafür etwa 85 systematisch gesammelte Beiträge, vorwiegend aus der amerikanischen Politik- und Kommunikationswissenschaft, aus den Computational Social Sciences und ihren Vorläufern sowie teilweise aus der Sozialpsychologie und Wirtschaftswissenschaft. Es werden vier Theorieperspektiven und Fragestellungen hervorgehoben, die die Problematisierung des Zusammenhangs von Online-Medien und Polarisierung in den analysierten Arbeiten durchziehen: 1) ideologische Polarisierung und die Exposition mit politisch einseitigen Nachrichten oder kontroversen Diskussionen; 2) interaktionale Polarisierung und „cross-cutting networks“; 3) affektive Polarisierung im Angesicht von Online-Inzivilität; 4) wahrgenommene Polarisierung und exemplarische Gruppenzugehörigkeit.
This paper examines children's digital experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic as a specific aspect of digital divide. Utilizing a survey of 2,004 English parents aged 20 to 55, the study explores how various factors-including household living conditions, parents' sociodemographic status, and sociotechnical variables such as children's usage frequency and intensity, expenditure on technology, and parents' digital skills-affect different dimensions of children's digital experiences during the lockdown. These dimensions include academic performance, connectivity issues, social interaction, feelings of isolation, problematic use, and social support. The findings reveal distinct age-related trends, with older children more frequently engaging in online socialization. Additionally, the study highlights a correlation between more favourable household socioeconomic conditions and improved digital experiences for children.
The scholarship on party digitalization discusses why, how and with what consequences parties use digitalization. Such a detailed account of the supply side contrasts sharply with the limited information we have about the demand side. We know little about party members' support for digitalization. To address this gap in the literature, our article aims to explain what drives the support for digitalization within political parties. We use individual‐level data from an original survey conducted in March–April 2023 with 2,032 members of the second largest party in Romania. The statistical analysis tests the effects of two main categories of explanations: technology winners and reinforcement hypothesis. We find that those party members who are active and informed about party activities will support party digitalization. The results hold when controlling for technology experience and skills, length of membership, position in the party and age.
This special issue examines how digital tools influence the characteristics and functions of political parties by looking at three specific dimensions: intra‐party communication, attitudes towards digitalization, and the use of digital tools in different institutional arenas. It advances our understanding of party digitalization in three significant ways. First, the collection of articles aims to shift the focus of party digitalization to everyday politics, complementing the traditional emphasis on the impact of digital technologies on party competition and election campaigns. Second, it covers the understudied impact of digital tools on political parties' parliamentary activities. Third, this special issue makes a distinctive contribution by examining the demand side of party digitalization with a focus on party members.
Social media significantly impacts social inclusion, potentially exacerbating or mitigating digital marginalization. Some individuals, while being connected to the global network, become isolated within specific informal com- munities. Members of such groups find themselves within a social media enclave fostering in them alienation characteristic of marginalization. This study investi- gates the prevalence of informal VKontakte communities and their role in digital marginalization. Using content and audience analysis, we found that most users simultaneously belong to multiple informal communities across various topics. However, a small subset (5 % of users) primarily participates in single, asocial com- munities, representing less than a quarter of all informal groups. These individuals are most vulnerable to digital marginalization. Contributing factors include individ- ual vulnerabilities, manipulative actions by community owners and moderators, and social media algorithms. Developing algorithms that prevent information silos could become a crucial first step toward addressing this issue.
This paper analyzes the influence of education on the relationship between Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and corruption control in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), based on data covering the period from 1996 to 2022. The two-stage least squares with instrumental variables (2SLS-IV) method was employed to estimate the model. The results indicate that without the interaction of the ICT and education variables, ICT has a negative influence on corruption control. However, with the interaction of the ICT and education variables, ICT positively influences corruption control in the WAEMU. Furthermore, the analysis of the ICT and education interaction variable revealed a positive and significant effect on corruption control. These results suggest that improving corruption control depends on education that familiarizes individuals with the use of ICT.
One of the sustainable factors that keep a nation from impending danger is early warning. In the world of information, the media assists the security agents to gather information through information-sharing and dissemination to keep the world out of impending dangers. Both the press and security agencies need each other in the process of gathering important information that touches on the political security of a nation. With the wave of terrorism, nuclear proliferation, insurgency and environmental hazard which pose threat to national security, the world needs quick information on escalating developments, be they slow and gradual or quick and sudden, to react timely and effectively, if possible, leaving them time to employ intelligence and other non-coercive or military preventive measures. Since these measures require information, therefore, the press and security roles are interdependent, hence an attempt by this paper to highlight the importance roles of security agencies and the media in early warning. It adopts persuasive communication theory and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology and derives its data from observation and desk research. The paper concludes that, if early warning signal is well reported by the media and intelligently processed by the security agencies, it will help a nation to combat crimes, promote peace and be ready to face future threats.
Even though Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is lagging in digital technology adoption among the global average, there is substantial progress in terms of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) access and use, where it plays a crucial role in increasing the quality of life in the regions. However, digital gaps still exist within the continents, even though technology adoption across African nations has shown an increase in progress. This paper aims to explore factors that contribute to different adoption rates among three digital technologies in SSA, specifically mobile phones, fixed broadband, and fixed telephones. The methodology utilizes panel regression analysis to examine data sourced from the World Bank, which consists of 48 SSA countries from 2006 to 2022. The findings show a consistent growth in mobile phone subscriptions, different from fixed telephone and broadband internet that shows stagnant progress. Furthermore, infrastructure, and human capital are the most significant factors in addition to other influencing factors. The results of this study provide the African governments with insightful advice on addressing the digital divide and accelerating their digital transformation.
Over the past decades, political participation in an online context has gained substantive attention. However, it is only recently that conceptual advancements have been made concerning the specific expressive and mobilizing practices that occur on social media. This article argues on the importance and implications of recognizing political participation on social media as a conceptually distinct mode of political participation, shaped by unique affordances that highlight its networked and political character. Specifically, the article provides a conceptual and normative state of the art regarding online and social media political participation. By discussing the empirical implications of prominent theoretical assumptions in the field, three key research gaps are identified and I propose a research agenda for the field of political communication.
This paper analyses the adoption of data‐driven campaigning (DDC) by German and French parties in recent national elections using data from an original post‐election survey of 27 parties (12 German, 15 French) and a new purpose‐built DDC campaign index. Specifically, we investigate two main research questions: (1) Do countries and parties vary in the extent to which DDC is practised? (2) If so, what explains those differences? We find that while in both countries DDC adoption is limited in comparison to other campaign modes, differences exist across countries and parties based on a range of macro (systemic) and meso (organisation‐level) factors. Most notably, contrary to normalisation theory, we find that minor parties with a ‘netroots’ base and newcomers who are digital ‘natives’ engage more in DDC than the ‘legacy’ major parties.
The role of technology in our daily lives is increasing exponentially. This is evident in the diverse range of individuals who are now required to interact with computers, including university professors, kindergarten children, farmers, and nuclear scientists. The efforts of public institutions, politicians, and policymakers to address this issue have been insufficient. The accelerated developments in information and communication technologies have rendered it challenging for a considerable number of individuals to engage with these technologies in a manner that is both democratic and meaningful. This study addresses the digital divide issue in the context of technological determinism, examining the influence of various factors on the digital divide in the context of technological determinism. These factors include age, gender, digital abilities, race/ethnicity, and language.
In recent years, governments worldwide have been exploring ways to enhance their interactions with citizens, improve public participation, increase transparency, and ensure accountability in delivering public services. Civic tech, encompassing various digital tools and platforms, has emerged as a transformative force in facilitating government–citizen interactions. Drawing from existing literature and case studies, this chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of civic tech in fostering transparent and accountable governance. It explores the diverse applications of civic tech, ranging from e-participation platforms and open data initiatives to crowdsourcing and collaborative governance. This chapter examines the impact of these technologies on enhancing citizen engagement, promoting transparency, and strengthening accountability mechanisms. Further, the chapter highlights opportunities and challenges associated with leveraging digital technologies in government–civic interactions. It highlights the potential benefits of civic tech, such as increased citizen empowerment, improved service delivery, and better policy outcomes. Additionally, it discusses the key challenges, including issues of accessibility, data privacy, the digital divide, and the potential for technological exclusion. The chapter offers insights and recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers leveraging digital technologies to bridge the gap between government and citizens. It demonstrates the importance of fostering an inclusive and participatory digital ecosystem to realise the full potential of civic tech for transparent and accountable governance in the digital era.
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