Study Of Romania'S Digital Divide From The Perspective Of The Impact Of Human Capital And Access To Internet On Internet Banking Usage

This study delves into the dynamic relationship between digitalization, human capital, and the usage of internet banking services in Romania, shedding light on the phenomenon of the digital divide within this context. While prior research has not extensively explored the interplay of these factors, our research fills this gap by employing a multifaceted approach. We use "human capital" as a key determinant, categorizing it based on sex and levels of education (secondary and tertiary). To gauge the extent of "digitalization," we measure the percentage of the population using the internet on a weekly basis. Concurrently, we assess "internet banking usage" by examining the percentage of the population that utilizes internet banking services. The study employs statistical analysis to investigate the correlation between these three variables. Our primary focus is on exploring how the "digital divide," manifested through disparities in education and gender, influences the patterns of internet banking usage in Romania. The results of our analysis reveal the existence of a digital divide concerning education levels. Individuals with limited access to education tend to utilize internet banking services to a lesser extent compared to those with higher educational attainment. These findings offer valuable insights into the intricacies of internet banking adoption in Romania and emphasize the importance of addressing disparities in education and gender to bridge the digital divide within the realm of financial technology.