Intra and Intergenerational Digital Divide through ICT Literacy, Information Acquisition Skills, and Internet Utilization Purposes: An Analysis of Gen Z

Abstract

The aim of this study is to measure and assess information and communications technology (ICT) literacy and information acquisition skills of high school students and their parents, and to determine factors associated with different levels of ICT literacy and information acquisition skills. Within the scope of the study, a measurement model was developed to examine the ICT literacy from technical and cognitive aspects. A framework for assessing information acquisition skills was proposed in order to distinguish cognitive capabilities from technical ones and to conduct comparative analysis. Besides, ICT literacy levels for students and parents were analyzed based on different criteria and significant differences were explored. ICT literacy and information acquisition scores of students and parents were compared and differences were demonstrated. Further, Internet utilization purposes for students and parents were examined and presented.