Unraveling the Dynamics of Digital Inclusion: Exploring the Third-Level Digital Divide Among Older Adults in China

The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed engagement in photographic activities among older adults, yet research remains limited on how these activities promote digital inclusion within the context of the third-level digital divide. Thus, in this study, we conducted a digital-inclusion-focused survey to assess how generalized photography influences older adults’ subjective perceptions of digital inclusion in this context. We developed a theoretical framework that integrates elements of photography and narrative characteristics to examine the roles of social identity and perceived digital inclusion in fostering digital inclusion. Using a sample of 1627 older adults in China, we tested the model with structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings reveal that participation in photographic activities and photographic visual narratives indirectly increases older adults’ subjective perceptions of digital inclusion through fully mediating and chain-mediating effects by enhancing perceived digital inclusion and social identity. Additionally, the moderating effects of age and regional differences were examined. Therefore, photography within the environmental divide can effectively promote digital inclusion among older adults of different ages and from different regions, demonstrating cross-group consistency. This study leverages widespread experiences regarding photographic activities to fill a research gap in the third-level digital divide, offering insights into promoting deeper digital inclusion of older adults in our digital society.