Socio-Economic Influences on Digital Literacy: Insights from Generation Z in Sikkim

Neeraj Kumar Roy; Ravi Shekhar Vishal; B. Muthu Pandian

doi:10.31305/trjtm2025.v05.n04.004

Authors

Mr. Neeraj Kumar Roy Post – Graduate (Batch 2023–25) Student, Department of Commerce, School of Professional Studies, Sikkim (Central) University, Gangtok-737102 Sikkim (East) Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2444-3170
Dr. Ravi Shekhar Vishal Research Guide & Assistant Professor in Commerce, School of Professional Studies, Sikkim (Central) University, Gangtok-737102 Sikkim (East) Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4548-3312
Dr. B. Muthu Pandian Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4523-9782

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31305/trjtm2025.v05.n04.004

Keywords:

Digital Literacy, Generation-Z, Digital divide, Digital Skills, Academic qualification

Abstract

Background: In Sikkim’s rapidly evolving digital environment, digital literacy has become essential for Generation-Z, shaping their academic, professional, and entrepreneurial opportunities. The state’s ongoing digital transformation, driven by increased access to technology and AI, raises critical questions about how socio-economic factors may influence the development of digital competencies in this cohort. Objectives: This study investigates the association between digital literacy levels and key socio-economic variables-such as gender, age, educational qualification, educational institution, field of study, family annual income-among Generation-Z university students in Gangtok. Methods: This study used a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design to examine the association between digital literacy levels and demographic variables among 100 Generation-Z university students in Gangtok. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering digital skills and demographic details. Cross-tabulation and chi-square tests were performed using Jamovi 2.6.44 software to identify statistically significant associations. The digital literacy level was measured through a composite score based on self-assessed proficiency across various digital domains. Results: The analysis revealed a statistically significant association between educational qualification and digital literacy level, with postgraduate students demonstrating higher proficiency than undergraduates. No significant associations were observed for any other socio-economic variables, though minor trends indicated higher digital engagement among certain lower-income students. Conclusion: Academic qualification significantly impacts digital literacy levels among the students surveyed. The findings highlight the need for targeted digital skill-building interventions, particularly for undergraduates, and advocate for performance-based assessment methods to more accurately gauge student competencies. These insights support the development of inclusive digital literacy strategies aligned with India’s broader digital empowerment goals.

Author Biographies

Mr. Neeraj Kumar Roy, Post – Graduate (Batch 2023–25) Student, Department of Commerce, School of Professional Studies, Sikkim (Central) University, Gangtok-737102 Sikkim (East)

Neeraj Kumar Roy is a Post Graduate in Commerce (Batch 2023–25) from the Department of Commerce, School of Professional Studies, Sikkim University (A Central University), Gangtok – 737102, Sikkim (East). He has qualified "Category-3 (Eligible for PhD Admission only)" in June 2025. He completed his undergraduate B.Com degree from Nalanda Open University. His academic interests include finance, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy research.
Dr. Ravi Shekhar Vishal, Research Guide & Assistant Professor in Commerce, School of Professional Studies, Sikkim (Central) University, Gangtok-737102 Sikkim (East)

Ravi Shekhar Vishal is an Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, School of Professional Studies, Sikkim University, (A Central University) Gangtok — 737102 Sikkim (East). His core areas of research focus on Human Resource, Skill Development, Infrastructure Finance, Organizational Behaviour, Strategic Management & Law. He holds LLB Degree and Ph.D. (Commerce) with the specialization of Human Resource Management on "Human Resource Management Practices in Central Public Sector Undertakings — A Case Study of D.L.W. Varanasi" from VBS Purvanchal University. He is credited with one German patent along with his colleague and doctoral research fellow of the department. He is credited with a book entitled “Statistical Methods for Practice and Research: A Guide to Data Analysis Using JAMOVI” (ISBN: 978 – 81989982 – 2 – 4) coauthored with his colleague published under the reputed national publisher.
Dr. B. Muthu Pandian

Muthu Pandian. B is an Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, School of Professional Studies, Sikkim University, (A Central University) Gangtok — 737102 Sikkim (East). His core areas of research focus on Banking and Financial Markets. He holds his Ph.D. (Commerce) with the specialization of finance on "Infusing Efficiency in Real Estate Capital Market (A Conceptual Model for Online Property Spot & Index Based Derivatives Exchange)" at Pondicherry University. His two patent applications are pending based on his doctoral research outcomes. Recently, one German patent award on "A System for Generating a Composite Risk Index (CRI) for Financial Markets" Which is founded on the work done with his doctoral research fellow. He is credited with a book entitled “Statistical Methods for Practice and Research: A Guide to Data Analysis Using JAMOVI” (ISBN: 978 – 81989982 – 2 – 4) coauthored with his colleague published under the reputed national publisher.

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Socio-Economic Influences on Digital Literacy: Insights from Generation Z in Sikkim

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