Incidencia del nivel socioeconómico en la brecha en competencias digitales de jóvenes guayaquileños.

Abstract

This study analyzed the relationship between socioeconomic status and the knowledge component of digital competencies among young people aged 18 to 24 residing in the Guayaquil canton. Employing a quantitative approach with a non-experimental design and a descriptive-correlational scope, the study sampled 384 participants selected via non-probability convenience sampling. Socioeconomic status was determined using the AMAI 2022 classification, while digital competencies were assessed using 25 items covering the knowledge component, structured according to the five dimensions of DigComp 2.2. The results showed an overall mean of 3.13, indicating a level of good understanding; information and data literacy had the highest mean (3.41), whereas digital content creation recorded the lowest score (2.67), identifying it as the primary dimension requiring strengthening. The Shapiro-Wilk test indicated a lack of normality (W = 0.952; p < 0.001), necessitating the use of non-parametric procedures; the Kruskal-Wallis test revealed statistically significant differences across socioeconomic levels (H(6) = 176.257; p < 0.001). Furthermore, Spearman's rho analysis identified positive monotonic associations—predominantly of moderate magnitude—between socioeconomic status and the evaluated dimensions. The study concludes that socioeconomic status is related to the digital knowledge of the young people surveyed, although it is not the sole factor associated with its development; the findings highlight the need to strengthen digital training, particularly regarding content creation and within lower socioeconomic strata.