Digital divides: research review and challenges

Digital divides, representing systemic inequality in access to, use of and the impact of digital technologies, have established themselves as one of the most significant and multifaceted challenges of modern globalized society. The relevance of this topic has sharply increased against the backdrop of accelerating digital transformation processes, the COVID-19 pandemic, which shifted many aspects of life into an online format, and a growing dependence on digital solutions, which together not only reveal but also exacerbate existing socio-economic inequality. The aim of this article is to conduct a comprehensive and multi-level analysis of the phenomenon of digital divides, combining theoretical economic and sociological approaches with relevant empirical data to identify key determinants of inequality and develop comprehensive pathways for its mitigation. The methodological framework of the research includes a systematic analysis of scientific literature, quantitative analysis of international and national statistics (including data from the UN, OECD, World Bank) and a comparative method, allowing for the comparison of digital inequality manifestations in different countries and regions. Such a comprehensive approach enables the examination of both macro-level (state policy, infrastructure development) and micro-level aspects of the problem (individual skills, socio-economic status of households). Particular attention in the analysis is paid to critically important factors such as physical access to broadband internet and devices, the level of digital and media literacy among the population, age, gender and socio-economic barriers, as well as the effectiveness of government regulatory measures. The results of the study clearly demonstrate that digital divides act not merely as a consequence but as a powerful catalyst for further social stratification, significantly limiting opportunities for marginalized population groups in education, employment, access to healthcare and full-fledged civic engagement. The scientific novelty and contribution of the work lie in the systematization and synthesis of various economic theories studying digital inequality, as well as in the development of specific practical recommendations for its reduction. The main conclusions emphasize the imperative need for coordinated investment in digital infrastructure, the implementation of large-scale educational programs aimed at all age groups and the strengthening of international cooperation to ensure inclusive and sustainable development. The scope for practical application of the results includes the formation of targeted state policy, the development of corporate social strategies and the creation of programs for international organizations aimed at reducing digital inequality. The study’s limitations are associated with the exceptional dynamism of technological development and the significant diversity of regional contexts, which necessitates further research to constantly adapt the proposed measures to rapidly changing conditions. Promising directions for future research include an in-depth study of the interaction and mutual influence of various levels of digital inequality (access, use, outcomes), as well as the development of more sophisticated and innovative methods for its quantitative and qualitative measurement.