Unveiling the digital divide: a comprehensive analysis of socioeconomic and ethnic disparities in digital literacy among diverse student populations in Türkiye

Abstract

This study examines the multi-layered digital divide in Türkiye by analyzing how gender, geography, education level, and ethnicity intersect to shape digital proficiency. Surveying 1,990 diverse students (including native Turks, Syrian asylum seekers, and children of Arab-origin agricultural workers), the research measures ICT access, skills, and impacts using a validated Likert-type scale. The empirical findings challenge conventional assumptions: females significantly outperform males in digital skills and security, and rural students display higher proficiency than urban peers, likely due to targeted institutional support. Additionally, digital literacy increases with educational advancement, peaking among university students. Among the ethnic groups studied, Syrian asylum seekers manifest remarkable digital resilience, leading in access and skill metrics. Ultimately, this research underscores that bridging the digital gap requires socio-culturally sensitive, targeted policies rather than mere infrastructural expansion. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.