Coping With Disruption: What This New World Says About Digital Divide Theory

Authors

  • Ashley J. Coventry University of California, Santa Barbara
  • Crystal Leung University of California, Santa Barbara
  • Bryan Zuniga University of California, Santa Barbara
  • Kacey Hsu University of California, Santa Barbara
  • Amy L. Gonzales University of California, Santa Barbara

Keywords:

digital divide, COVID-19, technology maintenance, digital literacy, Internet access, stress, coping

Abstract

In this study, we examine reliance on technology during the beginning of the pandemic, and how both digital access and skills impact people’s ability to cope with this unique situation. We situate our findings in research on technology reliance during large-scale disasters using the theory of amplification and the technology maintenance construct. We conducted 32 semi-structured in-depth interviews with participants from a range of socioeconomic statuses about their experience navigating technology in the early months of the pandemic. Consistent with the theory of amplification, participants who lacked needed digital technologies and necessary digital skills had a harder time adapting to the pandemic than better-resourced participants. Participants who lacked digital resources also often minimized struggles, suggesting that acquiescence as a means of surviving scarcity may be a key moderator that determines technology maintenance outcomes.

Author Biographies

Ashley J. Coventry, University of California, Santa Barbara

Ashley Coventry is a fourth-year undergraduate at the University of California, Santa Barbara double majoring in Psychology and Communication. She intends to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology, with research interests including human mate preferences and LGBT mating psychology, as well as the adaptive functions of jealousy and other emotions. 

Crystal Leung, University of California, Santa Barbara

Crystal H. Leung is a fourth-year undergraduate at the University of California, Santa Barbara majoring in Communication. She is interested in better understanding the impacts of technology on society, particularly in the aftermath of the Covid-19 global pandemic. She is continuing to learn more about the tech industry as an intern at Discord Inc. 

Bryan Zuniga, University of California, Santa Barbara

Bryan Zuniga is a fourth-year undergraduate at the University of California, Santa Barbara majoring in Communication. He intends to pursue graduate school in communication, law, or related fields.

Kacey Hsu, University of California, Santa Barbara

Kacey Hsu graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a double major in Communication and Dance. She intends to pursue a graduate degree in marketing or public relations this fall.

Amy L. Gonzales, University of California, Santa Barbara

Amy Gonzales is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her work examines identity, social support, and well-being and the consequences of disrupted access to communication technology. She is especially interested in these phenomena for people from disadvantaged communities.

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Published

2022-11-30

Issue

Vol. 16 (2022)

Section

Articles

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