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2024 ITU Kaleidoscope Academic Conference
scholars argue that ICT4D should be reconceptualized as a of digital literacy is “the ability to locate, organize,
process of expanding real freedoms, aligning with Sen’s understand, evaluate, and create information using digital
capability approach [8]. technology” [15]. Sharp [16] defines some key elements of
building blocks toward digital literacy as follows:
2.2 ICT ACCESS AND INEQUITIES
● Digital access: Access to digital tools
Studies on internet access and ICT reveal various factors ● Digital taste: Preferences for and choices with
influencing broadband availability, including infrastructure, digital tools
policy, and demographic characteristics [9]-[14].These ● Digital readiness: Basic knowledge of and skills in
studies reveal some precursors to broadband availability, digital tools
including physical broadband infrastructure, public policy ● Digital literacy: Systematic application of and
for delivery methods, and internet service provider proficiency with digital tools
diversity, and descriptive demographic features of those
who do not have access to the internet. However, access to As internet availability expands, the concept of
ICT is not solely determined by availability; factors like “meaningful use” has emerged, emphasizing the role of
electricity, affordability, digital literacy, and perceived value these literacies in how people choose to use newfound
of access are equally significant. internet access [17]. This key point of capability aligns with
the philosophy of capabilities and freedoms put forth by
Lacking access to ICT is not inconsequential. Disparities in Sen [3]. Through this lens, internet access is the “function”
ICT access contribute to unequal outcomes in health, and digital literacy is the “capability.” The literature shows
education, employment, and civic engagement [2]. The that access to the internet has the potential function of
overwhelming consensus in these emerging works is that providing the user with access to information, education,
those with higher access to ICT experience better outcomes and resources that enable individuals to make informed
in many areas of human development. choices and improve their lives [2]. However, the literature
seldom discusses what individuals actually use the internet
2.3 THE CAPABILITY APPROACH for once they gain access, beyond specific studies
pertaining to other development aims, namely healthcare
The capability approach, developed by Amartya Sen, and education. There is a lack of literature discussing what
reframes economic development as a tool to expand individuals value about newfound internet access and
freedoms rather than as an end in itself [3]. This approach whether or not it enriches their lives beyond the “intended”
does not outright reject the idea that economic growth can development outcomes.
further development, but maintains that it only does so
when used to expand other freedoms, such as social safety 3. RESEARCH QUESTIONS
nets. It emphasizes freedoms (e.g., choosing who governs;
accessing education and healthcare) over purely economic This study explores the following research questions:
measures like GDP or household income, suggesting that a
range of mutually reinforcing freedoms work together to 1. How do various markers of choice influence
advance overall development. internet use?
a. What is the relationship between internet
In Sen's framing of development, “functionings” refer to use and equality?
the various things a person can do and be, while b. What is the relationship between internet
“capabilities” are the means or opportunities to realize use and educational attainment?
those functionings [3]. Central to the capability approach is c. What is the relationship between internet
the concept of “choice,” which is fundamentally about an use and economic conditions?
individual's freedom to tap into their capabilities. Choice is d. What is the relationship between internet
influenced by “conversion factors,” which include personal use and markers of health?
characteristics, social norms, and environmental conditions e. What is the relationship between internet
that either facilitate or hinder the transformation of use and governance?
capabilities into actual functionings. To illustrate the f. What combination of markers offers the
capability approach in the context of ICT4D: accessing most explanatory power for variation in
information through the internet (functioning) is enabled by internet use globally?
digital literacy skills (capability) and the freedom to use
search engines without government censorship (choice), but 4. DATA SELECTION
is dependent on having reliable internet speeds (conversion
factor). The primary dependent variable for this study is
“Individuals using the Internet (percent of population),”
2.4 DIGITAL LITERACY AND ENRICHING ACCESS sourced from the United Nations International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) World
Digital literacy has been named and defined in various Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Database [1]. This
ways across the literature over time. One succinct definition variable was selected to align with Amartya Sen’s
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