Work

Digital inequality in disconnection practices: voluntary nonuse during COVID-19

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: The pervasiveness of digital media renders people constantly connected. Digital inequality theory tends to focus on how socio-digital factors link to technology access, skills, uses, and opportunities derived from such use. It is not clear, however, whether this theoretical lens applies to a time of heightened connection when privilege may also explain intended disconnection. Drawing on data from 1,551 U.S. adults surveyed during the pandemic, we find that younger age, higher education, frequent Internet use, less dependable access, and better skills are related to partaking in voluntary nonuse (e.g., having technology-free moments, switching off the Internet). As digital disconnection emerges from a place of socio-digital privilege as well as disadvantage, in a society of technology abundance, new inequalities arise around who has the freedom to use it in moderation rather than use it at all. Our study extends theoretical notions from digital inequality to the realm of voluntary digital nonuse.

Source: Journal of Communication

DOI: 10.1093/joc/jqad021

Authors: Minh Hao Nguyen, Eszter Hargittai

Institutions: University of Zurich, University of Amsterdam

Language: English

Topic: Information Society and Technology Trends

Subfield: General Social Sciences

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,878