The digital divide remains a major issue in Türkiye, especially for disadvantaged groups in adopting and using digital technologies. This study employs fuzzy cluster analysis to identify these groups using data from the 2021 Household Information Technologies Survey by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK). The dataset consists of responses from 30,530 individuals and represents diverse age groups across Türkiye. The research analyzes digital technology usage through responses on internet access, digital skills, and online service engagement. Unlike traditional clustering methods, fuzzy cluster analysis identifies overlapping group memberships, providing a more nuanced understanding of barriers to digital inclusion. Previous studies have highlighted groups such as the elderly, low-income households, and those with limited education as disadvantaged in adopting digital technologies [1]. Earlier research in Türkiye focused primarily on internet access [2], while other studies explored digital inequality in education, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic [3, 4]. This study, however, offers a more specific identification of disadvantaged groups within Türkiye, providing a perspective on digital inequalities. The findings have important implications for policymakers, educators, and technology providers. Targeted support programs can be created to address the digital divide by accurately identifying disadvantaged groups. Suggested initiatives could include digital literacy training, subsidized internet access, and community technology support centers. This study offers valuable insights for promoting inclusive digital transformation and reducing technological disparities in Turkish society.

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Digital Exclusion in Türkiye: Identifying Vulnerable Groups with Fuzzy Clustering

  • Tutku Tuncalı Yaman

摘要

The digital divide remains a major issue in Türkiye, especially for disadvantaged groups in adopting and using digital technologies. This study employs fuzzy cluster analysis to identify these groups using data from the 2021 Household Information Technologies Survey by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK). The dataset consists of responses from 30,530 individuals and represents diverse age groups across Türkiye. The research analyzes digital technology usage through responses on internet access, digital skills, and online service engagement. Unlike traditional clustering methods, fuzzy cluster analysis identifies overlapping group memberships, providing a more nuanced understanding of barriers to digital inclusion. Previous studies have highlighted groups such as the elderly, low-income households, and those with limited education as disadvantaged in adopting digital technologies [1]. Earlier research in Türkiye focused primarily on internet access [2], while other studies explored digital inequality in education, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic [3, 4]. This study, however, offers a more specific identification of disadvantaged groups within Türkiye, providing a perspective on digital inequalities. The findings have important implications for policymakers, educators, and technology providers. Targeted support programs can be created to address the digital divide by accurately identifying disadvantaged groups. Suggested initiatives could include digital literacy training, subsidized internet access, and community technology support centers. This study offers valuable insights for promoting inclusive digital transformation and reducing technological disparities in Turkish society.