Bridging or Widening the Gap: A Study of Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Divide in Jamaica

Abstract

The explanatory case study examines the effects of socio-demographic factors of artificial intelligence (AI) usage and their impact on the digital divide. The study utilises a quantitative research design, case study methodology and quota sampling strategy to select a national representative of 1,072 respondents. The findings indicate that age, geographical location, awareness and openness to using AI are significant predictors of AI usage. While factors such as geographical location and age continue to widen the digital divide, respondents are aware and open to using AI. The study recommends that governments at a similar embryonic stage of AI expansion should supplement infrastructure development and technology liberalisation with behaviour modification campaigns to demystify AI and improve a positive attitude towards AI usage.