Crossing the digital divide: the role of social workers in advancing digital inclusion

In today's society, marked by the information age and growing digitalization, the digital divide is emerging as a significant challenge. It reflects disparities in access to and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) among different social groups and territories. This scenario calls on social workers to actively participate in digital literacy and inclusion strategies as a fundamental right. This paper explores the role of social workers in this context and their intervention in the inequalities produced by digital exclusion. Given our society, the debate on the digital divide in Social Work as an intervention profession still needs to be improved. The article argues that in order to build more egalitarian and just societies, it is imperative that social workers, as social interveners, defend human rights in digital environments. The study analyzes the existing literature on the digital divide, digital inclusion, and digital equity based on a search of three databases (Scopus, Web of Science, and Eric). A central issue discussed is the preparation of future social workers to face the digital divide. The role of higher education institutions in this preparation is to address the need for programs that develop digital skills and overcome prejudices, promoting more effective inclusion, especially among vulnerable populations. The analysis identifies challenges and opportunities brought by technology in education, notably the transition to online education during the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift underscores the importance of technology in education and its implications for digital inclusion. The article highlights that digital inclusion transcends mere access to technology. It involves developing digital skills, overcoming socio-cultural barriers, and tackling existing inequalities. As defenders of human rights, social workers must be aware of their fundamental role in mitigating the digital divide and promoting a more inclusive and just society.