Bridging the digital divide: empowering Saudi Arabia’s future through psychological resilience and digital literacy

Adel Abdulmohsen Alfalah, Aliyu Alhaji Abubakar, Yaser Hasan Al-Mamary (), Majid Mapkhot Goaill, Nezar Mohammed Al-Samhi, Isyaku Salisu and Homoud Alhaidan
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Adel Abdulmohsen Alfalah: Department of Management and Information Systems, College of Business Administration, University of Ha’il
Aliyu Alhaji Abubakar: Department of Management and Information Systems, College of Business Administration, University of Ha’il
Yaser Hasan Al-Mamary: Department of Management and Information Systems, College of Business Administration, University of Ha’il
Majid Mapkhot Goaill: Department of Management and Information Systems, College of Business Administration, University of Ha’il
Nezar Mohammed Al-Samhi: Department of Marketing, College of Business Administration, University of Ha’il
Isyaku Salisu: Department of Management and Information Systems, College of Business Administration, University of Ha’il
Homoud Alhaidan: Department of Management and Information Systems, College of Business Administration, University of Ha’il

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 2025, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Abstract This research examines how digital inclusion affects the connections between compliance costs and psychological costs and access to technology and digital literacy and human development in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 framework. The research investigates how these variables interact to produce human development results while highlighting the need to address digital obstacles. The research design employed a quantitative method through structured surveys to gather data from various participants in the Hail Region. The research used convenience and snowball sampling methods to obtain participants from diverse backgrounds across both urban and rural areas. The study used Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with Partial Least Squares (PLS) to validate the measurement tools while examining the relationships between the study variables. The research draws its framework from the Administrative Burden Theory and Digital Divide Theory to analyze how compliance and psychological costs affect digital inclusion and human development in Saudi Arabia. The results reveal a strong positive correlation between compliance costs and human development, with digital inclusion acting as a vital mediator. Psychological costs, access to technology, and digital literacy did not significantly affect human development outcomes. Gender did not moderate the relationships, indicating that both men and women face similar challenges in navigating digital services. The research demonstrates that digital inclusion requires more than just technology access and skill development. The government needs to develop complete digital inclusion plans which address both compliance and psychological costs to achieve Vision 2030 goals and maximize digital opportunity access and user engagement. The research adds to existing knowledge by uniting Administrative Burden Theory with Digital Divide Theory to show how digital inclusion acts as a connecting factor between administrative challenges and human development outcomes. The research applies theoretical frameworks to demonstrate how administrative burdens impact both digital access equity and development results through compliance and psychological costs. The research findings deliver practical recommendations to Saudi Arabian policymakers and stakeholders who need to develop specific solutions for digital inclusion that support Vision 2030 goals.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-05914-5

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