Socious Journal
Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): Journal Socious - April

Digital Empowerment in Public Services: Bridging Access Inequality through Community Technology Literacy

Mega Erdawati (Univeraitas Cahaya Prima)
Zulkifli Zulkifli (Univeraitas Cahaya Prima)
Andi Asrijal (Universitas Cahaya Prima)



Article Info

Publish Date
20 Apr 2026

Abstract

Digital transformation in public services has significantly improved efficiency and accessibility; however, it has also created new forms of inequality, particularly among communities with limited digital access and skills. This study aims to examine how community technology literacy mediates the relationship between digital transformation and digital empowerment in reducing access inequality. A quantitative explanatory approach was employed, with data collected through structured questionnaires distributed to citizens using digital public services. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM-PLS) to assess both direct and indirect relationships among variables. The findings reveal that digital transformation has a significant positive effect on community technology literacy, which in turn strongly influences digital empowerment. Both community technology literacy and digital empowerment were found to significantly reduce access inequality in public services. Furthermore, the mediation analysis confirms that community technology literacy serves as a key mechanism linking digital transformation to digital empowerment outcomes. These results highlight the importance of integrating technological development with community-based digital literacy initiatives. In conclusion, this study emphasizes that digital empowerment cannot be achieved solely through technological advancement but requires strengthening community capabilities. Therefore, inclusive digital policies that prioritize literacy development are essential to ensure equitable access to public services.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

SJ

Publisher

Subject

Education Environmental Science Social Sciences Other

Description

The journal publishes original articles on current issues and trends occurring internationally in Public Administration, Business Administration, Communication Science, Government Science, Sociology, International Relations, geography, sociology education, geography education, tourism, community ...