Survey Instruments for Measuring Digital Inequality at the Individual Level

Fresh light has been shone on the problem of digital inequality (DI) in recent years due to its expanding complexity and impact on society. An issue with DI research is the need for more reliable instruments to measure and gauge the DI status quo, which is critical for appropriate remedial measures and solutions. DI has several dimensions beyond traditional concepts, such as uneven access to modern technologies, insufficient digital literacy, and limited internet use. Measures of DI often ignore some subtle and hidden elements, including socio-economic status, digital literacy, and skill, giving an imprecise image of the differences among people. This paper utilises existing literature, builds on a theoretical framework developed earlier, and subsequently explores possible survey instruments to measure DI. The paper also emphasises the need for constant improvement of survey tools due to their dynamic nature, influenced by rapid technological changes, to capture the complexities of digital inclusion. The proposed instruments are a starting point that will fill a void and allow researchers in the area to conduct more empirical studies to test and validate the suitability of the instruments to better understand the phenomena for valid comparisons and multiple applications.