The Digital Challenge Facing Israeli Arab Society

In an era of rapid digital advancement worldwide, covering every facet of life – the labor market, primary and higher education systems, the business sector, and government services – any population group which is not equipped to keep up with the pace of change, and thus unable to harness the potential benefits offered by progress, is bound to be left behind. The digital divide in Israeli society, between the Arab and (non-ultra-Orthodox) Jewish population groups, is manifested in infrastructure quality as well as digital literacy. About a third of Israel's Arab population does not have Internet access, and even where Internet connection exists, its speed and stability tend to be significantly substandard. Severe disparities are also evident in digital literacy, inasmuch as around 87% of Israel's Arab population aged 25-64 lack the basic digital competencies which are essential nowadays for active participation in the modern world, such as working remotely, participating in remote learning, conducting bank account activities, filling forms and employing the digital tools provided by government offices, making online purchases, and so on. These disparities in regard to infrastructures and digital competencies have, of course, a crucial impact on their ability to make use of the digital tools and services which are available in all spheres of life, hence also affecting the usage characteristics of the various tools. The primary use of the Internet in Israel's Arab society is mainly for entertainment purposes, such as participation in social networks, viewing streaming services, and downloading media files. When it comes to the use of digital tools for daily activities of the kind which requires more advanced digital skills, however, there is a substantial decline in the prevalence of use, and such applications are mostly limited to those with academic education, who also possess a higher level of digital literacy.