Connectivity patterns among Generation Z in Ecuador: Persistence of territorial and skills-based digital gaps
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62451/rep.v4i1.168Keywords:
Digital divide, Generation Z, Digital skills, Territorial inequality, digital inclusionAbstract
Using microdata from the 2023 ENEMDU survey and its ICT module, this article focuses on the patterns of access, connectivity, and digital skills among Generation Z in Ecuador using weighted estimations which are consistent with the complex sampling design of the survey. This analysis of first- and second-level digital inequalities by gender, age, and geographic area targets individuals aged 15 to 26. These results show a high technological penetration in this age group, where 74% have a smartphone and 89% of respondent’s report having been online recently, with no differences found for gender. Age is positively associated with the odds of acquiring a smartphone according to weighted logistic regression models, whereas most recent internet usage follows saturation patterns that preclude statistically significant differences by age or gender. Notwithstanding this homogeneity, there appear to be structural differences in this pattern: rural areas are more dependent on public access points and less digitally literate, with specific differences in digital skills, with women showing higher operating abilities and men showing some marginal superiority in technical skills. Overall, digital inclusion in Ecuador’s Generation Z is wide but imperfectly inclusive. Empowering functional digital competencies and minimizing gaps based on territory and skills are the recommendations. The study acknowledges the limitations of the cross-sectional design and suggests that longitudinal and multidimensional approaches are needed in future research.
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