Study on Educational Attainment, Digital Divide and Civic Engagement in the AI Age: An analysis of Structural Equation Model

• In Event: The uses of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational settings

Proposal

Research background and the research questions
Rapid transformations taking place due to technological advancements (e.g., the Internet of Things, Connectivity Technologies and Generative Artificial Intelligence) that are reshaping our daily lives, the future of work and our society, all of which have profound impacts on education. The update adoption of AI is predicted to exacerbate this divide; particularly as certain socioeconomic groups may struggle to adapt to AI-driven changes in the job market. Understanding the intersection of education, the digital divide, and citizens' attitudes toward public issues, particularly regarding the advent of AI is a critical issue.
The educational system is increasingly incorporating digital information technology. The benefits and operations of technological innovation driven by capitalism have also made the traditional social structure of social class division based on wealth or labor, so the recognition, use, and accessibility of digital information have become a significant force affecting the division of social classes. The research aims of this article are as follows: Educational attainment is often a critical determinant of an individual's socioeconomic status (SES). This study looks specifically at an individual's level of education to examine whether they are willing to use emerging digital technologies, how they express themselves when interacting with others on issues of public debate, and what their attitudes are toward the advent of artificial intelligence in life. Moreover, what are the key differences in these variables?
Theory guided and framework the research questions: Digital divide and education levels
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become integral to human life and education, but it also amplifies the digital divide. Research by Pataranutaporn et al. (2021) and Rahman et al. (2023) shows AI's potential to enhance accessibility and engagement in education, while raising concerns about inclusivity and transparency. Gonzales (2016) highlights how lower education and disabilities limit economic online activity, further widening the gap. Hargittai (2002) emphasizes the second-level digital divide, focusing on online skills and practical use. AI support is higher among wealthier and more educated individuals.
Gran, Booth, and Bucher (2021) presents the concept of "algorithm awareness," in which individuals who lack digital literacy are less likely to benefit from AI advances. Reich (2020) also argues that while technology promotes educational equity, it disproportionately benefits higher social classes. Although, AI can either bridge or deepen the digital divide, it depends on the policy and implementation in education system. These studies suggest that AI has the potential to both bridge and widen the digital divide, depending on how it is implemented in educational systems. The digital revolution has ushered in exciting, promising, and imaginative changes, but it is also testing about learning and education to envision what the future might hold, such as citizens' live and learn with AI system. The research framework is as Figure 1 to explore:
A. Different educational levels affect citizens' usage of the new digital technology;
B. Educational level affects citizens' attitudes toward discussing public issues on social media;
C. Educational level affects citizens' acceptance of artificial intelligence products and services;
D. The influential mechanism of the structural equation model of each potential variable.
Research Hypothesis
A. Significant differences with different levels of education exist in citizens' attitudes toward using the new digital technology among citizens.
B. Significant differences with different levels of education exist in citizens' attitudes toward discussing public issues on social media.
C. Significant differences with different levels of education exist in citizens' acceptance of artificial intelligence products and services.
D. The acceptance of new digital technologies significantly influences citizens' attitudes toward using social media to engage in discussing public issues.
E. Attitudes toward new digital technologies influence citizens' beliefs about artificial intelligence products and services.
F. Attitudes toward using social media to engage in discussing public issues influence citizen's beliefs about artificial intelligence products and services.
G. There is an influential mechanism of the structural equation model of each potential variable.
Research method and data collection by Computer-assisted Telephone Interview System
This study used a telephone survey method, sampling the Taiwanese population via the Computer-Assisted Telephone Interview (CATI) system. Random sampling was ensured by using a household telephone database and randomly dialing numbers. The pilot survey took place on January 5-6, 2022, with the main survey conducted from February 14 to March 15, 2022. A total of 1,113 questionnaires were completed, with a sampling error of ±2.94% at a 95% confidence level.
Statistical strategies
The Cronbach's α value of the overall instrument scale in this study is .940, indicating good reliability; the KMO (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy) statistic of each potential variable of the overall instrument scale is .911, indicating good performance and suitable for performing statistical analysis. This study uses Social Science Suite Software (SPSS), and the statistical strategies include frequency distribution, F-test, mean, chi-square (X2) test, t-test, analysis of variation (ANOVA), post hoc comparison, structural equation model, etc. Understand the structural relationship between each item and each potential variable.
Research findings and suggestions
Educational levels shape citizens' views on digital technologies and AI. Key findings are:
A. Education and the digital divide: Educational attainment significantly impacts an individual's ability to use new digital technologies and participate in public opinion.
B. AI and civic participation: Education influences attitudes toward AI, with different education levels leading to varying benefits from AI engagement.
C. Attitudes toward AI: Educational levels affect how actively people accept AI and integrate it into daily life.
D. Digital literacy and inequity: Emerging digital technologies create class differences for people from different socioeconomic backgrounds that deserve attention.
According to the results, policymakers and educators must understand the impact of AI on educational equity and inclusion. It is also necessary to work hard to promote fairness, inclusiveness, and responsibility for artificial intelligence in the education system.

Author

• Amy Shumin Shumin Chen, National Tsing Hua University Taiwan