Everyday information technology use creates a divide that may hinder access to resources and opportunities for citizens and residents in Finland
Nylund, Petra (2024)
Nylund, Petra
2024
Julkaisu on tekijänoikeussäännösten alainen. Teosta voi lukea ja tulostaa henkilökohtaista käyttöä varten. Käyttö kaupallisiin tarkoituksiin on kielletty.
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2024050928724
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2024050928724
Tiivistelmä
The use of information technology has grown worldwide, both in the private and public sectors. In recent decades, the use of information technology has developed to the extent that most things can be completed digitally. The digitalization of services may create a digital divide in Finnish society that may lead to equality. A digital divide occurs when individuals fall behind in digital development.
Hence, this thesis explores whether everyday information technology use creates a divide that may hinder access to resources and opportunities for citizens and residents in Finland. The thesis was built around three research questions. The research questions explored how technology impacts individuals' access to opportunities and information, the factors behind the digital divide, and whether information technology impacts a specific age- or group.
The methodology used was a combination of semi-structured interviews and a literature review. The literature review was based on books on the digital divide and existing studies on digital development in Finland. The theory used was introduced by the article Studying Human Habits in Societal Context: Examining Support for a Basic Stimulus–Response Mechanism, written by Marien et al. and published in 2019. This thesis explores how human habits and behavior impact decisions and societal issues. This thesis demonstrates that human behavior impacts one's ability to use digital technology. If one decides to refrain from using digital technology, they may stay caught up in information and opportunities. The older generation is the group most impacted by digitalization.
Hence, this thesis explores whether everyday information technology use creates a divide that may hinder access to resources and opportunities for citizens and residents in Finland. The thesis was built around three research questions. The research questions explored how technology impacts individuals' access to opportunities and information, the factors behind the digital divide, and whether information technology impacts a specific age- or group.
The methodology used was a combination of semi-structured interviews and a literature review. The literature review was based on books on the digital divide and existing studies on digital development in Finland. The theory used was introduced by the article Studying Human Habits in Societal Context: Examining Support for a Basic Stimulus–Response Mechanism, written by Marien et al. and published in 2019. This thesis explores how human habits and behavior impact decisions and societal issues. This thesis demonstrates that human behavior impacts one's ability to use digital technology. If one decides to refrain from using digital technology, they may stay caught up in information and opportunities. The older generation is the group most impacted by digitalization.