How do we understand “meaningful use” of the internet? Of divides, skills and socio-technical awareness

• Published in: Journal of information, communication & ethics in society (Online) communication & ethics in society (Online), 2020-08, Vol.18 (3), p.461-479
• Main Authors: Hosman, Laura, Pérez Comisso, Martin Andrés
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Access to information; Communications technology; Digital divide; Digital literacy; Education; Empowerment; Inclusion; Inequality; Information society; Information technology; Initiatives; International organizations; Internet; Internet access; Knowledge economy; Literacy; Literature reviews; Skill development; Skills
• ISSN: 1477-996X; 1758-8871
• DOI: 10.1108/JICES-05-2020-0055

Purpose Information and communications technologies (ICTs) have transformed the lives of many people around the world, yet billions remain unconnected. While many initiatives attempt to “connect the unconnected,” initiatives focused on access and skills-development alone will still fall short. Based on the authors’ experience with the SolarSPELL initiative, this study aims to propose using the concept of socio-technical awareness as a step forward in conceptualizing a more accurate picture of capabilities necessary to enable people to make meaningful use of the internet. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses an integrative literature review for the ideas related to the digital divide, digital inclusion and digital literacies, as well as the applied work of the authors in the SolarSPELL initiative, to develop the concept of socio-technical awareness, which is presented as a method for understanding empowered, meaningful internet use. Findings The argument is made that access, skills- and literacy-development are necessary but insufficient conditions for meaningful ICTs use. Accordingly, a third concept, socio-technical awareness, is introduced, and the case is made for including this concept in both application and measurement of meaningful use of ICTs. Practical implications The design of digital inclusion initiatives should focus on increasing socio-technical awareness to empower users to make meaningful use of digital technologies. Originality/value Taking a step further than most assessments of the digital divide or digital inclusion, this study proposes that to achieve meaningful internet use, people need access, requisite skills development and socio-technical awareness, to be able to make informed, empowered decisions about ICT use.