The Digital Divide as an Obstacle to Community Communication in Rural Areas of Ecuador
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The digital divide in rural areas of Ecuador remains an obstacle to social development, community participation, and equitable access to educational and economic opportunities. This study aims to characterize and analyze the scientific production related to community communication and digital inclusion in the country’s rural contexts. A systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis were conducted using specialized databases and network visualization tools. The results show that research focuses on three thematic areas: connectivity and digital inclusion, community communication, and digital education. Most studies were conducted in Ecuador, with a notable participation of international collaborations. The thematic analysis reveals that overcoming the digital divide goes beyond infrastructure, requiring training programs, capacity building, and strategies that integrate social and cultural dimensions. The discussion interprets these findings as evidence of a transition toward comprehensive approaches, where technology is integrated with community processes to promote sustainable development. It is concluded that closing the digital divide in rural Ecuador requires a multidimensional approach that combines infrastructure, training, and social appropriation of technologies, ensuring their use as a tool for community transformation.
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