Page 99 - RUICHSS 2023 Proceeding

University of Ruhuna ISSN: 2706-0063
Matara, Sri Lanka

Crises and recoveries necessitate a revaluation and refining of ICT policies.

Understanding the environmental impact of the digital economy is essential
because it facilitates the identification and coordination of environmental

policy research, strategic objectives, and numerous domain-specific

instruments (CIOCOIU, 2011). Also, the digitalisation of social media has
contributed to the rapid spread of fake news and disinformation, particularly

during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions (Kohnert, 2021).

People who do not have access to mobile communication and the Internet are

at a disadvantage because they are unable to obtain digital information, shop
online, participate in democratic processes, or acquire and impart skills.

Consequently, the digital divide also entangled broad ethical perspectives. The
age-old debate on the impact of colonialism on "The Wretched of the Earth”

(Franz Fanon) must be revived and re-examined, including questions
regarding power relations, post-colonialism and gender equality. Behind each

form of digital appropriation, inequalities and class-based differences in

practices are concealed (Kohnert, 2021). Despite this, the digital divide has
become an increasing problem. It involved not only the traditional urban-rural

contrast with all of its well-known ramifications but also – at least as

significant – the widening gap between the rich and the poor.

3. Methodology

40