ANNUAL CONGRESS 2025

Digital Divide on Social Resilience: Spatial Patterns and Disparities in South Korea During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Not scheduled

20m

Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul

Poster Track 07 | INCLUSION

Speaker

Jaewon Park

Description

This study investigates the spatial distribution of digital classes and their relationship with social resilience across South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moving beyond traditional measures of the digital divide, this research adopts a multidimensional digital literacy framework, incorporating emerging competencies such as AI literacy, to reflect the evolving realities of the digital landscape. The primary objectives are to classify digital classes, identify spatial disparities among digital classes, and analyze their impact on social resilience.
Key research questions include: (1) How are digital classes formed based on various dimensions of digital literacy, and what spatial patterns emerge? (2) How do digital classes correlate with regional disparities in social resilience?
To address these questions, statistical data from the Korean Media Panel Survey are utilized to construct digital literacy indicators. Latent Class Analysis (LCA) is employed to classify digital classes based on these indicators. Spatial autocorrelation analysis (Local Moran’s I) is conducted to identify clustering patterns and geographic inequalities. Furthermore, Multinomial Logistic Regression is used to comprehensively analyze the relationship between digital classes and social resilience, focusing on aspects such as social participation, network maintenance, and mitigation of social isolation.
The findings highlight the critical role of multidimensional digital literacy, particularly AI literacy and digital platform usage experience, in enhancing social resilience. Regions characterized by higher levels of digital literacy exhibit stronger resilience, while areas with lower digital literacy, often non-urban regions, demonstrate significant vulnerabilities. Spatial analysis reveals pronounced clustering of low-resilience regions, underscoring the importance of targeted, region-specific interventions.
This study provides valuable insights for policymakers aiming to address digital inequalities by promoting localized digital literacy programs. By integrating multidimensional digital literacy into resilience strategies, the findings contribute to reducing regional disparities and building adaptive capacities to address future societal challenges.