The ABCs of using the Internet.” A techno-pedagogical proposal for digital inclusion, for people aged 45 to 54

Abstract

Introduction: The article analyzed the widening of the digital divide in terms of age, geographical context, educational level and economic occupation. It focused on the 45-54 age group, who faced greater challenges in accessing and using digital technologies. Lack of infrastructure, affordability and digital literacy were identified as the main factors hindering their digital inclusion.
Development: During the COVID-19 pandemic, inequality in Internet access became more evident, especially affecting vulnerable sectors such as people without formal education or with low incomes. The government implemented strategies focused on infrastructure, but neglected digital literacy, which limited the real use of ICT. According to INEGI (2023), 33.3% of people without mobile devices mentioned economic problems as the main cause, while 15.7% indicated lack of knowledge in their use. Generation X, being at an intermediate stage of technology adoption, needed specific strategies to bridge the digital divide. An intervention model based on workshops called “The ABCs of Using the Internet” was proposed to facilitate the acquisition of digital skills.
Conclusion: The study concluded that the digital divide was not only related to infrastructure, but also to training and affordability. Digital literacy was presented as a necessity and not as a choice. The importance of creating adequate training spaces to guarantee the inclusion of all people was highlighted, preventing the lack of access to technology from deepening social inequality.