Situation and challenges of digital isolation in rural Spanish areas

Abstract

Digitalization and ICTs improve rural life in Spain, yet the digital divide persists, affecting youth, the elderly, the unemployed, and women most acutely. Limited access and ICT skills create inequalities compared to urban areas. This study assesses the divide through 408 rural surveys and the PLS-SEM model, analyzing 27 questions that show how socioeconomic factors influence unequal ICT access. Results highlight an urgent need for policies to address these technological disparities in rural areas, aiming for more equitable digital inclusion.