Mapping the Digital Divide: A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research Trends from 2006 to 2025
TL;DR
Global research on the digital divide from 2006 to 2025 is mapped using bibliometric analysis of publications indexed in Scopus to highlight underexplored issues such as the experiences of marginalized groups, the offline impact of digital exclusion, and new challenges posed by AI, IoT and metaverse.
Abstract
The digital divide continues to shape how societies access, use, and benefit from technology, often reinforcing existing social and economic inequalities. This study maps global research on the digital divide from 2006 to 2025 using bibliometric analysis of publications indexed in Scopus. A total of 4662 relevant articles were analyzed through tools such as VOSviewer to trace publication trends, influential authors, collaboration networks, and evolving thematic areas. The findings show a surge of interest after 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating debates on digital literacy, equitable access, and inclusion. Social sciences and computer sciences emerged as the leading subject areas, while the United States, China and the United Kingdom contributed the highest number of publications. However, contributions from developing countries remain limited despite being the most affected by digital inequality. The results highlight underexplored issues such as the experiences of marginalized groups, the offline impact of digital exclusion, and new challenges posed by AI, IoT and metaverse. This study provides not only a snapshot of how research on the digital divide has evolved but also points towards future directions for scholarship and policymaking, particularly in ensuring that digital technologies contribute to more inclusive and sustainable societies.