A Bibliometric Analysis of Digital Literacy Research from 1990 to 2022 and Research on Emerging Themes during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Due to the rapid advancement of digital technology and its contribution to sustainable development, digital literacy has become an increasingly significant research topic. However, the uneven distribution of new technologies has caused emerging inequalities, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most significant public health crises of the century. This paper aims to conduct an in-depth analysis of scientific production using bibliometric methods to comprehend the current research status of digital literacy studies and evaluate the pandemic’s impact on such research. In total, 7523 documents published between 1990 and 2022 were identified and analyzed using bibliometric research methods in the Web of Science database. These methods included growth trend analysis, network analysis, highly cited literature analysis, factor analysis, and time-series-based analysis of frequently discussed topics. Additionally, a word cloud analysis of the keywords in digital literacy literature from 2020 to 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic, was created. The study’s outcomes explore digital literacy research, including current trends, significant publications, and institutions involved in the field. This study emphasizes the importance of digital literacy in today’s society, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also highlights the potential of bibliometric analysis as a tool for identifying research gaps.