Section Article

Digital Literacy and the Rural–Urban Divide: A Social Analysis
Author(s): Rohit Rawat

Abstract
The rise of digital technologies has transformed economies societies and everyday life across the world. In India the spread of the internet smartphones and digital platforms has created new opportunities for communication education governance and commerce. Yet the benefits of digitalization are unevenly distributed reflecting the long-standing rural–urban divide. While urban areas increasingly embrace digital technologies rural populations continue to face barriers of access affordability and literacy. Digital literacy defined as the ability to use digital tools effectively has emerged as a critical determinant of social inclusion and development.