Digital divide, critical‐, and crisis‐informatics perspectives on K‐12 emergency remote teaching during the pandemic

As its usage has grown, social media has positively and negatively impacted public health. Although social media presents known harms to mental health and spreads misinformation, it also offers rapid dissemination of public health information, expanded access to health resources, and a robust source of health information. However, these benefits are not equitably shared due in part to the "digital divide" of unequal access and use of information and communication technologies. Measurable inequalities in digital access exist among regions, with an eight-fold difference between Central Africa (9.8% social media penetration) and Northern Europe (80.2% social media penetration). Digital inequalities also differ by gender, age, and socioeconomic classes within countries. Increased digital access has been positively associated with improved health information and outcomes related to chronic diseases, infectious disease outbreaks, and reproductive health. Given the expanding role of social media in public health and the emerging evidence on the health benefits of digital access, we argue for reducing digital inequities by (1) creating an enabling government policy and regulatory environment that views digital health access as a social determinant of health; (2) targeting public and private investments to expand digital access for underserved regions and populations; (3) making digital access and use affordable to low-resource populations; and (4) improving digital competency among these groups through digital literacy programs.

COVID-19 and the digital divide in the UK

Background: There is currently no comprehensive tool that quantifiably measures validated factors of modern technology access in the US for digital inequity impact on esophageal cancer care (EC). Objective: To assess the influence of digital inequities on esophageal cancer disparities while accounting for traditional social determinants. Methods: 15,656 EC patients from 2013–2017 in SEER were assessed for significant regression trends in long-term follow-up, survival, prognosis, and treatment with increasing overall digital inequity, as measured by the Digital Inequity Index (DII). The DII was calculated based on 17 census tract-level variables derived from the American Community Survey and Federal Communications Commission. Variables were categorized as infrastructure access or sociodemographic, ranked, and then averaged into a composite score. Results: With increasing overall digital inequity, significant decreases in the length of long-term follow-up (p < 0.001) and survival (p < 0.001) for EC patients were observed. EC patients showed decreased odds of receiving indicated surgical resection (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95–99) with increasing digital inequity. They also showed increased odds of advanced preliminary staging (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.05) and decreased odds of receiving indicated chemotherapy (OR 0.97;95% CI 0.95–99). Conclusions: Digital inequities meaningfully contribute to detrimental trends in EC patient care in the US, allowing discourse for targeted means of alleviating disparities while contextualizing national, sociodemographic trends of the impact of online access on informed care.

With the increased digitisation of society comes an increased concern about who is left behind. From societal causes to the impact of everyday actions, The Digital Disconnect explores the relationship between digital and social inequalities, and the lived consequences of digitisation. Ellen J. Helsper goes beyond questions of digital divides and who is connected. She asks why and how social and digital inequalities are linked and shows the tangible outcomes of socio-digital inequalities in everyday lives. The book: Introduces the key theories and concepts needed to understand both ‘traditional’ and digital inequalities research. Investigates a range of socio-digital inequalities, from digital access and skills, to civic participation, social engagement, and everyday content creation and consumption. Brings research to life with a range of qualitative vignettes, drawing out the personal experiences that lay at the heart of global socio-digital inequalities. The Digital Disconnect is an expert exploration of contemporary theory, research and practice in socio-digital inequalities. It is also an urgent and impassioned call to broaden horizons, expand theoretical and methodological toolkits, and work collectively to help achieve a fairer digital future for all.

To assess associations of digital inequity with oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) prognostic and care outcomes in the United States while adjusting for traditional social determinants/drivers of health (SDoH). Retrospective cohort study. United States. In total, 70,604 patients from 2008 to 2017 were assessed for regression trends in long-term follow-up period, survival, prognosis, and treatment across increasing overall digital inequity, as measured by the Digital Inequity Index (DII). DII is based on 17 census-tract level variables derived from the American Community Survey and Federal Communications Commission. Variables were categorized as infrastructure-access (ie, digital-related variables) or sociodemographic (ie, education, income, and disability status) and weighted-averaged into a composite score. With increasing DII, decreases in length of follow-up (10.22%, 32.9-29.5 months; P < .001) and survival (8.93%, 19-17.3 months; P < .001) were observed. Affordability of internet access displayed the largest influence, followed by device access and internet-service availability. Compared to OPC patients with low digital inequity, high digital inequity was associated with increased odds of diagnosing more than one malignant tumor (odds ratio [OR] 1.01, 95% CI 1.01-1.03; P = .012) and advanced staging (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.02; P = .034), while having decreased odds of receiving indicated chemotherapy (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99; P < .001), radiation therapy (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99; P < .001), or primary surgery (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99; P < .001). Digital inequities contribute to detrimental trends in OPC patient care and prognosis in the United States. These findings can inform strategic discourse targeted against the most pertinent disparities in the modern-day environment.

Modern-day internet access and technology usage substantially impacts aspects of surgical care but remain ill-defined for their associations with gastrointestinal-cancer (GIC) outcomes. We sought to develop the Digital Inequity Index (DII), a novel, a self-adapted tool to quantify access to digital resources, to assess the impact of "digital inequity" on GIC care and prognosis. Adult (20+) patients with gastrointestinal malignancies between 2013 and 2017 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program database. DII was calculated based on 17 census-tract level variables derived from the American Community Survey and Federal Communications Commission. Variables were categorized as infrastructure-access (i.e., electronic device ownership, broadband type, internet provider availability, income-broadband subscription ratio) or sociodemographic (i.e., education, income, disability status), ranked relative across all US counties, and then averaged into a composite score. The association between DII and surgery receipt, staging, surveillance period, and survival time were assessed with multiple logistic and linear regressions. Among 287 228 patients, increasing DII was associated with increased odds of late-stage disease (highest odds ratio [OR]: 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-1.10 for hepatic) and decreased odds of receiving surgery (lowest OR: 0.94, 95%CI: 0.93-0.96 for hepatic). Higher DII was associated with shorter postoperative surveillance length (largest decrease -20.4% for hepatic) and overall survival length (largest decrease -16.0% for pancreatic). Sociodemographic and infrastructure-access factors contributed equivalently to surveillance time disparities, while infrastructure-access factors contributed more to survival disparities across GICtypes. As technology dependence has increased, inequities in digital access should be targeted as a contributor to surgical oncologic disparities.

In the field of education, teachers must be technologically abreast especially in time of the COVID-19 Pandemic addressing the demand of the New Normal. To build confidence and capacity in digital teaching-learning, teachers must consider developing their skills in using digital technologies in education and they must also embed the use of digital devices in the teaching-learning practice. In this premise, this research article explains the digital inequality that the teachers are experiencing and its effect on their teaching profession and on establishing among themselves the digital trust and intuition. This study also aimed to answer, “What are the digital equalities do teachers encounter?” Th teachers’ decision for digital trust and intuition is affected by the digital inequalities they are experiencing. This study draws insights from a one-page survey questionnaire to 20 selected teachers of St. Aloysius Academy of Dasmariñas representing the faculty from the 3 departments such as preschool, grade school and high school. The results of this study indicate that teachers of St. Aloysius Academy of Dasmariñas are digitally inclined as manifested by their subscriptions to various digital devices and services. The impact of the digital technology to them in terms of social, economic, political and cultural affects their decision in digital trust and intuition. Overcoming issues on digital inequality among teachers will lead to digital trust and intuition. The school, from where the teachers are employed must address the digital inequality by ensuring that all teachers have equal chances in accessing the technology-based teaching devices and by providing them capacity building trainings which are imperative for the demand of the new normal. Teachers must embrace the digital technology in the community and in their workplace and imbibe the digital trust and intuition in education.

BackgroundIn the modern era, the use of technology can substantially impact care access. Despite the extent of its influence on several chronic medical conditions related to the heart, lungs, and others, the relationship between one’s access to digital resources and oncologic conditions has been seldom investigated in select pathologies among gastrointestinal and head-neck regions. However, studies on the influence of this “digital inequity” on other cancers pertaining to nasal and paranasal sinus cancer (NPSC) have yet to be performed. This remains in stark contrast to the extent of large data approaches assessing the impact of traditional social determinants/drivers of health (SDoH), such as factors related to one’s socioeconomic status, minoritized race or ethnicity, and housing-transportation status, on prognostic and treatment outcomes.ObjectiveThis study aims to use the Digital Inequity Index (DII), a novel, comprehensive tool that quantifies digital resource access on an area- or community-based level, to assess the relationship between inequities in digital accessibility with NPSC disparities in prognosis and care in the United States.MethodsPatients with NPSC from 2008 to 2017 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program were assessed for significant regression trends in the long-term follow-up period and treatment receipt across NPSCs with increasing overall digital inequity, as measured by DII. DII was based on 17 census-tract level variables derived from the summarized values overlapping that same time period from the US Census/American Community Survey and Federal Communications Commission Annual Broadband Report. Variables were categorized as infrastructure-access (ie, electronic device ownership, internet provider availability, and income-broadband subscription ratio) or sociodemographic (education, income, age, and disability), ranked, and then averaged into a composite score to encompass direct and indirect factors related to digital inequity.ResultsAcross 8012 adult patients with NPSC, males (n=5416, 67.6%) and White race (n=4293, 53.6%) were the most represented demographics. With increasing digital inequity, as measured by increasing total DII scores, significant decreases in the length of long-term follow-up were observed with nasopharyngeal (P<.01) and maxillary sinus cancers (P=.02), with decreases as high as 19% (35.2 to 28.5 months, nasopharynx). Electronic device and service availability inequities showcased higher-magnitude contributions to observed associated regression trends, while the income-broadband ratio contributed less. Significantly decreased odds of receiving indicated surgery (lowest odds ratio 0.87, 95% CI 0.80-0.95, maxillary) and radiation (lowest odds ratio 0.78, 95% CI 0.63-0.95, ethmoid) for several NPSCs were also observed.ConclusionsDigital inequities are associated with detrimental NPSC care and surveillance trends in the United States, even when accounting for traditional SDoH factors. These results prompt the need to include digital factors into the discussion of contextualizing SDoH-based analyses of cancer care disparities, as well as the specific factors from which prospective implementations and initiatives can invest limited public health resources to alleviate the most pertinent drivers of disparities.

Digital inequality in the Appalachian Ohio: Understanding how demographics, internet access, and skills can shape vital information use (VIU)

IntroductionTechnology and internet access have become increasingly integrated into healthcare as the primary platform for health‐related information and provider‐patient communication. Disparities in access to digital resources exist in the United States and have been shown to impact health outcomes in various head and neck malignancies. Our objective is to evaluate the associations of digital inequity on health outcomes in patients with salivary gland cancer (SGC).MethodsThe Digital Inequity Index (DII) was developed using 17 census‐tract level variables obtained from the American Community Survey and Federal Communications Commission. Variables were categorized as digital infrastructure or sociodemographic (e.g., non‐digital) and scored based on relative rankings across all US counties. Scores were assigned to patients from the Surveillance‐Epidemiology‐End Results (SEER) database diagnosed with SGC between 2013 and 2017 based on county‐of‐residence. Regressions were performed between DII score and outcomes of surveillance time, survival time, tumor stage at time of diagnosis, and treatment modality.ResultsAmong 9306 SGC‐patients, increased digital inequity was associated with advanced‐staging at presentation (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07, p = 0.033), increased odds of chemotherapy receipt (OR: 1.05, CI: 1.01–1.10, p = 0.010), and decreased odds of surgical intervention (OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91–0.98, p = 0.003) after accounting for traditional sociodemographic factors. Increased digital inequity was also associated with decreased surveillance time and survival periods.ConclusionsDigital inequity significantly and independently associates with negative health and treatment outcomes in SGC patients, highlighting the importance of directed efforts to address these seldom‐investigated drivers of health disparities.

The impact of digital inequities on laryngeal cancer disparities in the US

This article investigates the intersection of digital and social inequality in the context of disaster recovery. In doing so, the article responds to the optimism present in recent claims about “humanitarian technology” which refers to the empowering uses and applications of interactive technologies by disaster-affected people. Drawing on a long-term ethnography with affected communities recovering from Typhoon Haiyan that hit the Philippines in 2013 triggering a massive humanitarian response, the article offers a grounded assessment of the role of social media in disaster recovery. In particular, the article focuses on whether any positive consequences associated with digital media use are equally spread among better off and socially marginalized participants. The analysis reveals sharp digital inequalities which map onto existing social inequalities. While some of our already better-off participants have access to a rich media landscape which they are able to navigate often reaping significant benefits, low-income participants are trapped in a delayed recovery with diminished social media opportunities. The fact that some participants are using social media to recover at a rapid pace while others are languishing behind represents a deepening of social inequalities. In this sense, digital inequality can amplify social inequalities leading to a potential “second-order disaster.” This refers to humanly perpetuated disasters that can even surpass the effects of the natural disaster.

The relevance of the article is associated with the active development of digital technologies and the emergence of digital inequality as a new form of social inequality. The article considers the socio-philosophical aspects of digital inequality. The methodological basis of the study is general logical methods of analysis, generalization, comparison, classification, typification. The study used the principles of dialectical and systemic approaches: development, comprehensiveness of study, historicism. Attention is drawn to the fact that there are empirical studies of digital inequality, which consider the levels of digital inequality (global, social, individual), the evolution of forms of digital global inequality. However, a consistent socio-philosophical analysis of digital inequality, offering a theoretical basis and a categorical-conceptual apparatus for understanding this phenomenon, is not presented in scientific knowledge. Currently, there is no unified approach to the concepts of «digital inequality» and «digital capital». There is a need for a general definition of these concepts, which should serve as a starting point for further research of digital inequality and digital capital. Digital inequality exists in various forms related to access to the latest information technologies, the use of information and communication technologies, and social prospects for mastering ICT. The manifestation of digital inequality in the main spheres of society is considered: political, economic, social, and spiritual. Attention is drawn to the connection and interdependence of digital inequality and digital capital. Based on the theory of social capital and the concept of «habitus» by P. Bourdieu, the process of converting digital capital into other forms of capital is studied. The article shows that all types of capital are interconnected and an individual with economic, political, personal, and cultural capital can transform them into digital capital (the ability and skills to use the Internet). Digital capital, in turn, is converted into offline capital. It is concluded that the lack or limitation of access to the digital environment, a low level of digital competencies is one of the main sources of the development of digital inequality as a type of social inequality in a digital society. The article also draws attention to the need to take into account the social and cultural characteristics of individuals when studying the formation of digital capital and digital inequality. A conclusion is made about understanding digital inequality as an integral phenomenon associated with digital capital.

This paper focuses on the ties between social and digital inequalities among Argentinean youth. It uses a qualitative approach to explore different aspects of the everyday lives of adolescents, such as sociability, leisure time and family use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), in order to assess the impact of the Connecting Equality Program (Programa Conectar Igualdad, PCI) on reducing digital inequalities and fostering social inclusion. In particular, the paper explores what were the existing conditions of access for students and their families when the PCI was first implemented? What influence does the implementation of the PCI have on the individual, family and scholastic appropriation of ICTs? How does the use of computers and the Internet vary among youth? Has this large‐scale incorporation of netbooks in schools, and especially homes and free time changed it in any way? Does the appropriation of ICTs through student participation in the PCI contribute to material and symbolic social inclusion? To answer these questions, we compare the processes of ICT appropriation among lower and middle class adolescents, focusing on the distinctive uses and meanings assigned to computers and the Internet by boys and girls in their daily lives. For this purpose we analyze data collected through semi‐structured interviews in two schools in Greater La Plata, Argentina during 2012. The main findings show that in terms of access, skills and types of use, the implementation of the PCI has had a positive impact among lower class youth, guaranteeing access to their first computers and promoting the sharing of knowledge and digital skills with family members. Moreover, evidence of more diverse and intense use of ICTs among lower class students reveals the development of digital skills related to educational activities. Finally, in terms of sociability, having a personal netbook enables access to information and cultural goods which are very significant in generating ties and strengthening identities and social integration.

Problem setting. Digitalization, as a defining trend today, inevitably leads to significant transformations in the system of public administration. Digital transformation in the public sector are critical important value to meet the customer needs in the digital age. The COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine restrictions have led to the rapid development of various digital technologies and tools, and to strengthen the negative socio-economic trends (poverty, unemployment, inequality, social exclusion, return of migrant workers) and led to the unusual conditions of life and work. Therefore, there is a growing need to strengthen the role of public authorities in regulating the socio-economic development of the country through broad inclusion of different segments of the population, communities and territories, in particular, taking into account current trends and opportunities for digital technology in public administration.Recent research and publications analysis. Theoretical and applied aspects of inclusive development and growth are reflected in researches by: J.Gupta, S.Klasen, R.Ranieri, R.A.Ramos, L.Winters, A.Atkinson and E.Marlier. Peculiarities and interrelation of digital development, inequality and inclusion are considered in the works of S.Rader, M.Fouwani and A.Joshua.The works of: K.Schwab, O.Karpenko, V.Namesnik, N.Savchenko, L.Fedulova, and T.Zaporozhets are devoted to the issues of digital transformation of public administration and digital development of society. Conceptual principles are defined in detail in the Concept of Development of the Digital Economy and Society of Ukraine for 2018-2020, as well as in international reports and declarations.However, little attention is devoted to the issue of the use of digital technologies in public administration of inclusive local development to address pressing problems in Ukraine, particularly at local level.The paper objective – to substantiate the need and opportunities for the use of digital technologies in public administration of inclusive local development.The paper main body. The article substantiates the necessity and possibilities of using digital technologies in public administration of inclusive local development. In particular, are presented: the conceptual foundations of the formation of an inclusive society in the digital age, the features of the using digital technologies and ensuring digital inclusion at the national and local levels.Information, communication and digital technologies are becoming an increasingly important part of the social and economic life of the population around the world. To ensure the quality functioning of households, enterprises, communities and countries in general, it is necessary to have a developed digital infrastructure. Digital access allows people to earn a living, have social contacts, expand access to information and a variety of public services, and promote better public decision-making policies.Analyzed and defined terms such as “inclusion”, “inclusive society”, “digital inequality (exclusion, gap)”, “digital inclusion”, “rural gap”, “gender gap”. The possibilities of digital technologies and digital development are revealed, which should be aimed at increasing the efficiency of activity, economic growth, employment and improving the life quality of all citizens, including vulnerable and marginalized population categories. Is proved that the public administration system must constantly change and adapt to the digital society realities in order to ensure the diverse needs of the population.Conclusions and perspectives for further research. The research showed that digital development and digital access allow to bring services and services closer to the person (consumer), to make them more convenient and accessible, which contributes to improving the quality of life of different segments of the population. This is facilitated by the availability of broadband Internet and infrastructure, the availability of appropriate devices (computers, smartphones, routers, etc.), advanced digital skills and a desire to receive services online. Opportunities for digital participation in decision-making for the benefit of community and country development are also increasing.Public policy on digital inclusion must take into account the unique information and communication needs of all groups, especially vulnerable and marginalized groups in specific social situations, so that they can function effectively in the digital society.Prospects for further research may be to explore the possibilities of public administration in the field of digital development to strengthen the socio-economic potential of Ukraine and to reduce various types of inequalities in response to new challenges.