DIGITAL EXCLUSION AND UNEQUAL PARTICIPATION IN CONTEMPORARY PUBLIC LIFE
Keywords:
Digital exclusion, digital inequality, public participation, digital literacy, civic engagementAbstract
Digital exclusion increasingly shapes access to public services, civic information, and opportunities for participation in contemporary society. This study examined the relationship between digital access, digital literacy, and unequal participation in public life among adults from diverse demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was used, involving 420 participants and semi-structured interviews with 32 purposively selected individuals. Quantitative data were collected through a structured questionnaire assessing device ownership, internet access, affordability, digital competence, online public-service use, and civic engagement. Descriptive statistics, group comparisons, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression were applied, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Urban participants reported higher smartphone ownership, home internet access, and reliable connectivity than rural participants. Digital literacy, confidence in online services, and public participation declined significantly with age, whereas dependence on others increased. Digital exclusion was negatively associated with public participation (r = −0.56, p < 0.001) and remained the strongest negative predictor in the adjusted model (β = −0.41, p < 0.001). Digital literacy was the strongest positive predictor (β = 0.31, p < 0.001). Interviews identified affordability, complex interfaces, privacy concerns, language barriers, and dependence on intermediaries as major obstacles. Digital inclusion requires coordinated improvements in connectivity, affordability, accessibility, literacy, assisted service provision, and continued offline alternatives.
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