Logged Off: An Analysis of Digital Inequalities and Socialization during the COVID-19 Crisis
Unprecedented and unparalleled: these are two terms that are commonly used to describe the magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic. What exactly makes this crisis different from any other previous pandemic (i.e. the Spanish Flu)? One would assume that the world today is much better equipped to deal with such turmoil. Historical quarantines looked quite different as there was little to no access to even half the resources that the twenty-first century has at the tips of its fingers, namely digital technologies. Information and services can be accessed at any given point as well as the ability to actively maintain social interactions. Abiding by physical distancing protocols and other health guidelines are infinitely easier today due to the inescapable presence of online technologies. They have become the central tool bridging the communication gap between the general public and different organizations, thus allowing the steady flow of important messages and recommendations to continue. Staying connected in the age of the digital era could be viewed as the least of one’s concerns — however, what does this mean when we are forced into isolation? How are these digital tools being used by different groups to connect with people? The ability to navigate digital spaces means one must have basic access to it first. Believing that the world collectively is better equipped to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic on the grounds that all people can easily gain access to digital technologies is naive. Through an analysis of the concept of digital and social inclusion, this paper aims to bring light to the aggravation of pre-existing digital inequalities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By examining factors such as different levels of access to technology, how digital tools are used by different groups, and digital inequalities as determinants of health (i.e. mental health implications), it aims to highlight the importance of recognizing the digital space as a necessity as opposed to a luxury.
The COVID-19 crisis has made digital spaces the single most important tool for social inclusion. As the bulk of the day is spent at home, they have become critical to maintaining the various facets of daily life activities such as education, work, and entertainment (Beaunoyer et al, 2020). Although digital access may not have always been considered a priority, the unprecedented circumstances presented by the pandemic have imposed a burden on those who have limited access to such tools. Two groups in particular that are viewed as digitally disadvantaged include low-income households and older adults. Digital inequalities, a hidden form of social inequalities, are deeply embedded in socioeconomic contexts (Beaunoyer et al, 2020). Those who are socially and economically disadvantaged are more vulnerable to both contracting COVID-19 as well as other repercussions associated with the crisis.
Another aspect of digital inequalities is digital literacy, which refers to an individual’s ability to “access, process, engage and understand” how to navigate digital technologies and “obtain benefits from [their] use [of these tools]” (Beaunoyer et al, 2020). Given that technological tools such as the Internet, computers, mobile devices and applications are imperative for staying connected, it is equally important to possess certain competencies to effectively and efficiently utilize them. The interplay between the COVID-19 crisis and digital inequalities can be broken down by four factors, which include technical means (quality and reliability of technological tools), the autonomy of use (where technology is accessed), social support networks (receiving help from experienced users), and experience (level of familiarity with different tools) (Beaunoyer et al, 2020). In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, these factors are impacted on a much larger scale which in turn puts the groups that are already vulnerable to digital inequalities at more risk.
The complete shift to a technologically mediated environment is a burden for older adults and low-income households as they fall under the digitally disadvantaged category. Unequal access and inability to use the internet have led to the digital and social exclusion of these groups. Social isolation can have detrimental effects and for this reason, it has become vital to ensure the inclusion of vulnerable populations. This discrepancy in access to digital technologies is also reflected in the lack of information, opportunities, and services available to them. Everyone’s lives at the moment are placed on hold and the closest alternative to normal life is through virtual spaces. The restrictions placed by COVID-19 have intensified the need to stay connected and informed at all times. The only way this can be made possible while following protocols outlined by the government is by having equal access to digital technologies. The use of technology entails both physical access and digital literacy, however, when one or both of these components are removed from the equation it leads to putting the vulnerable population in an even more disadvantaged position as it is one of the only avenues for social interactions and maintaining relationships.
By having limited access, it allows for digital exclusion to take place and this is also known as a form of social exclusion. As a result, people are unable to participate in virtual settings which prevents them from increasing their social capital. Older adults specifically are excluded from digital spaces and services by virtue of the assumption that they do not have the capacity or skills required to operate them. Those who are more frail do not know how to navigate digital tools and may be placed in long-term care facilities are faced with the challenges of both social and digital exclusion (Chong et al, 2020). Low-income households are another group that is vulnerable to pre-existing digital inequalities that have worsened with the COVID-19 crisis. They suffer from the economic consequences presented by the pandemic and while many are concerned about upgrading their technological devices for more efficient service, simply getting physical access to them is a far-fetched idea for them.
For such reasons, it is important to recognize digital inequalities as one of the central determinants of well-being. They have been heightened by the pandemic as the vast majority of the world’s population is increasingly dependent on information and communications technology (ICTs) in order to retain normalcy in their lives. Limited access to digital tools means limited access to different opportunities; it is not as simple as distinguishing between digital natives and digital immigrants (Robinson et al, 2020). Rather, it is about removing the barriers of the divide and acknowledging that equal access to digital technologies should be a fundamental right.
Socialization during the COVID-19 pandemic takes place predominantly across digital platforms. Whether that is through a FaceTime call or Netflix Watch Party session, these virtual tools and spaces have become critical to helping people stay connected while abiding by the guidelines outlined by public health. While forming and maintaining social contacts during the pandemic may appear to be easily accessible, this is not the reality for vulnerable populations such as low-income households and older adults. The growing dependence on technological devices to complete our day to day tasks makes it simple to adjust to the new normal. The existence of digital inequalities, however, creates barriers for many that prevent them from gaining access to pertinent information, resources, and opportunities. They are unable to participate in digital spaces and obtain the benefits of utilizing such tools, thus leading to social exclusion. Social isolation combined with digital and social exclusion can take a severe toll on one’s mental health. The quarantine can have many psychological impacts as people spend the bulk of their time at home and most tasks require an Internet connection as well as a technological device. With nationwide lockdowns in place across the globe, the anticipation and loss of control can contribute to mental health implications (Razai et al, 2020). Fear, anxiety, and other psychological effects can be experienced when in isolation and it can be especially difficult to address them when resources are made even more scarce.
When examining the degree to which COVID-19 has aggravated pre-existing digital inequalities, the four factors required to use technologies effectively and efficiently are negatively impacted. Low-income households are presumed to have little to no access to technology. In the event that they do have access, the low quality and quantity of such devices can pose many challenges in terms of their overall experience and utility (Robinson et al, 2020). Updating their technological equipment is an additional cost for them and they must continue to deal with the burden of slower connections and shared Internet devices when there are more members in the family. Previously, accessing the Internet was easier as it could have been done from other locations outside of one’s home. As many of these locations that provided free Internet have shut down and people are working from home, it is infinitely more difficult to have access and autonomy when utilizing such services. Moreover, using digital tools can be challenging for certain people and when assistance is removed they are unable to navigate these spaces on their own and thus excluded from them as a result. Before COVID-19 restrictions were in place, getting help with certain things such as Internet connection or using a certain application could have been done in person instead of over the phone, which would have helped the individual struggling understand what went wrong better and more effectively. While experienced users will continue to spend more time on the Internet and develop their digital skills, those who are less familiar with virtual settings are not as likely to engage in them. If they do participate in these spaces, they may not be able to do so to the best of their ability and could be at risk for being exposed to misinformation or fake news as well as addictive online games. Digital inequalities increase proportionately to the increase in the use of technologies. The negative impacts, both short and long term, that are associated with the COVID-19 crisis take a greater toll on those who have reduced access to digital tools and services. Due to the vulnerable population’s digital and social exclusion, the new conditions are exacerbated by the challenges imposed and will perpetuate the consequences outlined by the digital vicious cycle.
As COVID-19 restrictions become more rigid, psychological distress and mental health implications due to self-isolation are at the forefront of major concerns for the vulnerable population, which constitutes older adults and low-income households. Fear and anxiety are at an all-time high because of the constant information overload appearing on social media feeds. Moreover, those with little to no access to digital tools have less knowledge of how to filter out certain messages that are not grounded on factual information. Slower connections, limited physical access to the Internet and assistance, as well as poor technological literacy are all consequences that have been exacerbated by the pandemic and especially prevalent within the low income and aged communities. They have made it very difficult for these vulnerable groups to effectively and efficiently utilize digital technologies. Mental health conditions can also worsen as people with poor digital literacy skills are losing their jobs or getting laid off, leaving them in an even more disadvantaged position as their lack of access to certain resources prevent them from finding a new job. Those with pre-existing mental health issues will now resort to alternative methods of seeking help, whether that is through phone calls or online therapy sessions. The health system was already struggling with addressing such disorders prior to the pandemic and this issue is aggravated even further due to the new complications related to the virus. Physical distancing measures put more pressure on the use of digital technologies to cope with the mental struggles. The effectiveness of psychological therapy services are relative to the region in which the patient is seeking them (Chong et al, 2020). For instance, those living in more affluent areas would likely have easier access to better mental health services and resources as opposed to those who live in low-income areas. This further reinforces the consequences of digital inequalities due to the discrepancy in the level of support given as certain patients are more privileged than others. Online counseling is essential to addressing the gaps that exist mental healthcare system during the time of the COVID-19 crisis. Psychological support through such platforms can help people temporarily tackle issues that they are facing internally and continue to work towards their improving their mental health. It can also be cost-effective in comparison to in-person sessions (Razai et al, 2020). A consistent line of communication between a patient and their therapist is made possible through these sessions while abiding by the guidelines set out by public health.
Making virtual spaces equally accessible is of great importance as they are the primary vector of communication that enables social interactions and bonds to be sustained. Actively participating in these online social settings allow people to maintain some level of normalcy in their lives. Whether that is working remotely or staying connected with one’s family members, friends, co-workers, or the community at large, it can contribute towards strengthening and creating bonds. When dealing with the uncertainties, fear, and anxiety of the pandemic, socializing through digital platforms is the fastest and easiest way to get relief for many. It helps one maintain a support system, which is critical at a time when everything feels unpredictable. This further highlights the significance of virtual communities which include online groups or forums such as Reddit, which can be beneficial in terms of social interactions as well as receiving information (Beaunoyer et al, 2020). As a result, it allows for optimal use or navigation of virtual spaces and tools.
Coping with the loss of normalcy, social ties and for some, a sense of self, are a few of the many long-term consequences posed by the pandemic that can be detrimental to one’s mental well-being. In the case of older adults, many are digitally disadvantaged because of their unfamiliarity and illiteracy of technological tools. Consequently, they face digital exclusion and are unable to access the benefits of ICTs such as smartphones, tablets, and high-speed internet services (Xie et al, 2020). Virtually connecting with people is challenging for them as they are not equipped with the appropriate resources or support on hand. Other barriers within long-term care facilities can also play a role in preventing them from attaining benefits from the use of digital tools. In addition to physical and cognitive limitations, many of these facilities lack systems that support technological structures. Not only are they more vulnerable to the virus itself in comparison to young people, however, older adults are also less likely to obtain factually correct information and appropriate services online, leading to social exclusion, isolation, and loneliness. Social isolation is experienced by approximately 25% of adults due to reasons such as a low likelihood of maintaining social contacts, living by themselves, and a lack of participation in group settings or socialization (Xie et al, 2020). Adopting and implementing technological tools and methods into their everyday lives requires time, willingness as well as experience — three factors that favor younger people and make it infinitely easier for them to maximize the benefits of participating in digital platforms. Developing informatics tools and applications that encourage social interactions and effectively address the barriers by older adults who lack strong digital skills is imperative. The primary focus should be on providing them with resources that enable them to work on digital literacy and understanding of virtual spaces.
Overall, it is evident that digital technologies have become an essential component of our day to day lives, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. As digital inequalities are exacerbated by the consequences presented by the pandemic, they have jeopardized the well being of vulnerable populations such as low-income households and older adults. They would fall under the digitally disadvantaged category due to the discrepancy that exists in the level of access to certain resources, information, and tools. The shift to a technologically mediated life has been a challenging adjustment for many who face the burden of the digital divide. This form of social inequalities has led to the social exclusion and isolation of these vulnerable groups, who do not have the liberty to stay connected. It has led to mental health implications due to the limitations place on the different opportunities that they can access, further perpetuating the vicious digital cycle that continues to favor those who are privileged. The four factors that constitute access to digital technologies are negatively impacted as a result of the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. While staying connected during the digital age may not seemingly be a concern to many, it has been a continuing struggle for these vulnerable populations even prior to the crisis. The unprecedented time that we are living in has shown evidence of how digital inequalities are a determinant of health and well-being. It is an example of a large scale event where digital tools have become the central avenue for maintaining and creating social contacts. The world is faced with an overwhelming amount of information that may be hard to filter out as it is contingent on the digital literacy skills that one has obtained through their online participation and presence. By implementing mitigation strategies that focus on levels of access and how it can be made easier for vulnerable populations to navigate digital spaces, we can effectively tackle the extent to which the pandemic’s consequences can impact the vulnerable population’s quality of life. The first step is to acknowledge the fact that equal access should be a fundamental right and to allocate appropriate resources to people and places that face the greatest challenges in terms of staying connected.
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