Estudio de la brecha en habilidades tecnológicas de jóvenes guayaquileños.

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the technological skills gap among young people in the city of Guayaquil, considering how key variables such as age and place of residence can affect this gap. The study adopts a primarily quantitative approach, with a descriptive and comparative scope. A survey was administered to a sample of 385 students aged 12 to 17 from different locations. The results of the study show that the level of digital skills can increase progressively with age, which is normal and to be expected, with higher average scores in the 15-17 age group than in the 12-14 age group. Significant differences were identified according to the area of residence, demonstrating that factors such as location, access to adequate technological infrastructure and, especially, connectivity significantly influence the development of digital skills. This study concludes that the technological gap in the city of Guayaquil is not only generational but also geographical, which directly impacts educational opportunities and the future employment prospects of young people. One of the key points is to emphasize the importance of continuous training from an early age. The research also highlights the government's need to strengthen educational policies and digital inclusion strategies to reduce inequalities from an early age.