Bridging the digital divide: Predictors of positive attitudes and functional use of AI among university students in Pakistan

Authors

  • Fannie Mehak Research Assistant, Department of Sociology, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Punjab, Pakistan Author
  • Sara Rizvi Jafree Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Punjab Pakistan Author

Keywords:

AI Attitudes, Digital Divide, Higher Education, Pakistan, Socio-Demographic Disparities

Abstract

Positive attitudes for generative artificial intelligence (AI) and functional use of AI are both essential for the youth of Pakistan, as they can improve student learning and skills for the job market. This study aimed to identify predictors of positive attitudes for AI and functional use of AI, and compare mean scores for attitudes, use, access, and literacy of AI with respect to student socio-demographic characteristics. A standardized survey was used to sample 171 students from universities of Pakistan. We found that positive attitudes for AI and greater use of AI are predicted by better availability and higher AI literacy, along with male gender, urban belonging, and higher wealth status. We conclude that the integration of AI-related content into Pakistan's education sector is crucial to enhance understanding and reduce skepticism, with a focus on improving AI literacy, accessibility, and engagement for rural students, females, and those from lower-income backgrounds. Collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and government, along with investments in infrastructure, teacher training, and continuous assessment, are essential to bridge the digital divide and prepare students for future job market demands. 

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Author Biography

  • Sara Rizvi Jafree, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Punjab Pakistan

    Dr. Jafree is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology, Forman Christian College University (FCCU). She has completed her Post Doctorate Fellowship from the Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, UK, and her PhD and MPhil from ISCS, University of the Punjab (Lahore, PK). She completed her BSc Honors in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science (London, UK).

    Dr Jafree is author of over 50 academic research papers published in impact factor international journals under areas of Public Health, Social Policy, and Women’s Studies. She is also the author of three books published by Oxford University Press, Springer, and Palgrave Macmillan. The books, “Women, Healthcare and Violence in Pakistan”; “The Sociology of South Asian Women’s Health”; and “Social Policy for Women in Pakistan” have addressed important issues related to women’s health, safety, and need for social protection.

    Dr. Jafree is a recipient of five research grants for projects as Principal Investigator and has led large research teams for policy mobilization in areas of microfinance social development, digital health literacy, intergenerational learning for the elderly, and social literacy. Currently she is working on a book on the social welfare features of Shia Islam.

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Published

2025-03-20

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2025): January-March

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Copyright (c) 2025 Fannie Mehak, Sara Rizvi Jafree (Author)

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