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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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