Digital inclusion for a good digital society: Leveraging the benefits and mitigating the dark side

Kacar, Marina and De Luca, Luigi ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2492-3075 2024. Digital inclusion for a good digital society: Leveraging the benefits and mitigating the dark side. [Project Report]. London: The British Academy. Available at: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/publications/d...

Preview

PDF (Discussion paper published by the British Academy) - Published Version Download (597kB) | Preview

Abstract

This essay discusses both the benefits and the ‘dark side’ of pursuing digital inclusion, considering how these might inform perspectives on what makes a ‘good digital society.’ On the one hand, digital inclusion enables more citizens to participate in digital activities and access opportunities across a range of domains, which helps reduce inequalities and promote a fair and sustainable digital society. On the other hand, the wider adoption of digital technologies across society means that people are more exposed to the concrete threats posed by the disintegration of trust (in the media, public institutions, and people in general), a process that may undermine a good digital society. Against this background, we offer a new perspective on digital inclusion, and call for governments to prioritise digital inclusion efforts based on constant discourse and engagement with citizens (ie, e-participation). If the public can digitally engage with a responsive, efficient, and transparent government, the level of citizens’ trust in governments (and other institutions) might be preserved and restored. This is a precondition for building a future in which technology does not turn against the prosperity of society and institutions.

Item Type:	Monograph (Project Report)
Status:	Published
Schools:	Business (Including Economics)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Publisher:	The British Academy
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	11 September 2024
Date of Acceptance:	August 2024
Last Modified:	12 Nov 2024 10:06
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/172007

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item