Digital inequalities in time of pandemic: COVID-19 exposure risk profiles and new forms of vulnerability

Abstract

<jats:p>In this article, we argue that new kinds of risk are emerging with the COVID-19 virus, and that these risks are unequally distributed. As we expose to view, digital inequalities and social inequalities are rendering certain subgroups significantly more vulnerable to exposure to COVID-19. Vulnerable populations bearing disproportionate risks include the social isolated, older adults, penal system subjects, digitally disadvantaged students, gig workers, and last-mile workers. Therefore, we map out the intersection between COVID-19 risk factors and digital inequalities on each of these populations in order to examine how the digitally resourced have additional tools to mitigate some of the risks associated with the pandemic. We shed light on how the ongoing pandemic is deepening key axes of social differentiation, which were previously occluded from view. These newly manifested forms of social differentiation can be conceived along several related dimensions. At their most general and abstract, these risks have to do with the capacity individuals have to control the risk of pathogen exposure. In order to fully manage exposure risk, individuals must control their physical environment to the greatest extent possible in order to prevent contact with potentially compromised physical spaces. In addition, they must control their social interactional environment to the greatest extent possible in order to minimize their contacts with potentially infected individuals. All else equal, those individuals who exercise more control over their exposure risk — on the basis of their control over their physical and social interactional environments — stand a better chance of staying healthy than those individuals who cannot manage exposure risk. Individuals therefore vary in terms of what we call their COVID-19 exposure risk profile (CERPs). CERPs hinge on preexisting forms of social differentiation such as socioeconomic status, as individuals with more economic resources at their disposal can better insulate themselves from exposure risk. Alongside socioeconomic status, one of the key forms of social differentiation connected with CERPs is digital (dis)advantage. Ceteris paribus, individuals who can more effectively digitize key parts of their lives enjoy better CERPs than individuals who cannot digitize these life realms. Therefore we believe that digital inequalities are directly and increasingly related to both life-or-death exposure to COVID-19, as well as excess deaths attributable to the larger conditions generated by the pandemic.</jats:p>

A Double Burden of Exclusion? Digital and Social Exclusion of Older Adults in Times of COVID-19

“…As noted above, various countries globally still have significant numbers of older adults who lack access to or have skills to use ICTs. Technology developers and retailers must determine ways to decrease the costs of ICTs, and to make them easier to use for older adults and others who may not be technologically savvy ( Cotten et al, 2017 ; Robinson et al, 2020 ). Older adults’ special learning needs ( Czaja et al, 2019 ), as well as their skills, must be considered in the design of various technologies.…”

“…In particular, video applications may be more useful for older adults in LTCFs, as they need not type (as is the case with emails or text messages) and can instead use visual and auditory modes of communication. The infrequent ICT use in these facilities, however, means that LTCFs may have to provide ICTs that staff can use to help residents maintain communication and contact with others ( Robinson et al, 2020 ). Staff will thus need to be proficient in using any ICTs the facility provides; they may also be supported by, for example, tech coaches who provide instructions and technical assistance ( Moyle et al, 2018 ).…”

Telemedicine in Long-Term Care Facilities During and Beyond COVID-19: Challenges Caused by the Digital Divide

“…However, older adults are less likely than younger people to be able to take advantage of the opportunities enabled by modern information and communication technology (ICT) or telemedicine (10)(11)(12)(13)(14). Older adults living in LTCFs often (a) opt not to use the internet, (b) cannot afford internet access or ICT devices, (c) lack technical solutions with which to use telemedicine to connect virtually with doctors or other health professionals, (d) have physical or cognitive limitations that may limit possible telemedicine use or prevent them from using telemedicine at all without assistance, and (e) lack the skills to use ICT or telemedicine even if they do have access (9,11,(15)(16)(17)(18). Furthermore, the institutional may prevent the individual use of telemedicine; for example, individual use may depend on internet availability, ICT access, and telemedicine tools/software at a given facility.…”

Piercing the Pandemic Social Bubble: Disability and Social Media Use About COVID-19

“…Analysis of internet use data found huge increases in online traffic, including increased interest in video chat, meeting apps and the use of social media ( Koeze & Popper, 2020 ). A closer look, however, shows that not all experience the brunt of the pandemic equally ( Robinson et al, 2020 ).…”