DIGITAL LITERACY AND CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: A STUDY FROM A GLOBAL, LATIN AMERICAN AND PERUVIAN PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

In the contemporary era, digital citizenship has evolved into a pivotal component of democratic governance. However, this transformation has been inequitable and unequal, owing to significant disparities in access to and utilization of technologies. The objective of this article is to analyze the relationship between digital literacy and citizen participation through a systematic review of the existing scientific literature between 2021 and 2025 in three contexts: global, Latin American, and Peruvian. In accordance with the PRISMA methodology, a total of 34 published studies have been identified, which have been classified into five dimensions of digital access, functional navigation, critical and autonomous use, digital security, and forms of participation. The results indicate that the majority of research concentrates on access and fundamental participation, while there is a paucity of research on critical use or digital protection. This analysis indicates that regulatory advances in terms of digital inclusion have been observed in several countries. However, achieving true inclusion necessitates the implementation of educational, institutional, and cultural actions. In summary, digital literacy should not be regarded exclusively as a technical skill. Rather, it should be regarded as a structural condition that enables full citizen participation in the twenty-first century.