Digital engagement gaps in Japan: readiness, gender and age

Purpose This study aims to examine how gender and age relate to digital engagement through three mechanisms – trust, anxiety and self-confidence. While prior research has predominantly focused on access and skills, this study investigates how these mechanisms jointly shape digital engagement across demographic groups in Japan. Design/methodology/approach Digital engagement is conceptualized as a multidimensional construct capturing perceived past benefits, expected future benefits and willingness to use emerging technologies. Drawing on a nationwide online survey of 2,000 respondents in Japan aged 15–69, this study uses structural equation modeling and factor score analysis to identify both structural relationships and group-level variations. Findings Trust emerged as the strongest predictor of digital engagement for both men and women, followed by self-confidence and anxiety. Descriptive results further show that engagement readiness is lowest among midlife groups, who report lower trust and self-confidence and relatively high anxiety. These findings point to emotional and cognitive barriers that extend beyond infrastructure and digital skills. Practical implications Achieving full digital inclusion requires policies that directly address engagement readiness, particularly by strengthening trust and self-confidence and reducing anxiety among middle-aged users. Originality/value This study extends digital divide research by showing that digital engagement is shaped not only by access and skills but also by psychological mechanisms. It also highlights how gender and age function as boundary conditions in these relationships.