THE DIGITAL DIVIDE: A SOCIAL INFORMATICS STUDY OF ICT INTERACTION WITH SOCIETY IN SAUDI ARABIA AND JORDAN

Abstract

The present study investigates the digital divide in Saudi Arabia and Jordan through the lens of social informatics, a field that explores the interplay between individuals and their diverse electronic media. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, encompassing the collection and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data. The primary objective of this study is to enhance comprehension of the status of access to information and communication technology (ICT) and digital literacy in developing countries. The research has revealed numerous obstacles in accessing ICT resources, including but not limited to insufficient internet infrastructure and exorbitant costs. There are discrepancies in digital literacy, with factors such as age, education, and socioeconomic status being influential. Social factors such as the disparity between genders and the divide between urban and rural areas serve to intensify the digital divide. The adoption of ICT is subject to the influence of individuals’ attitudes and beliefs about technology and their concerns regarding personal privacy and the potential erosion of cultural traditions. This study acknowledges the importance of governmental initiatives and policies in bridging the digital divide; however, it also poses questions regarding their effectiveness and implementation. Keywords: Digital Divide, Information and Communication Technology, Interaction DOI： https://doi.org/10.35741/issn.0258-2724.58.5.5