Exploring AI·Digital Competency Types and Analyzing Determinants among Middle-aged People Living in Seoul

The purpose of this study was to explore the types of AI and digital competencies among middle-aged adults and analyze the determinants of these types, thereby providing implications for competency-building education. To this end, a Latent Class Analysis (LCA) was conducted using data from the 2023 Seoul Citizens’ Digital Competency Survey, targeting middle-aged adults aged 40-54 years residing in Seoul. The analysis identified four distinct types of AI and digital competency: High AI–Digital Competency (14.3%), Medium AI–Digital Competency (6.1%), Low AI–Digital Competency (26.4%), and Low AI–High Digital Competency (53.2%). The factors influencing classification into these groups included average monthly income, digital self-efficacy, digital outcomes, regulation of digital use, experience with mobile app services, experience with the metaverse, kiosk proficiency, prior digital education experience, and willingness to participate in digital education. Finally, the analysis revealed significant differences across groups in the likelihood of independently solving digital problems when confronted with them. Based on these findings, we suggest educational implications and directions for future research on enhancing AI and digital competencies among middle-aged adults.