Unmasking Inequalities: Examining the Digital Divide's Impact on Vulnerable Populations and Pathways towards Digital Inclusion
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18753/2297-8224-6909Keywords:
Digital Divide, Vulnerable Populations, COVID-19 Pandemic, Digital Literacy, Social InequalityAbstract
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation while deepening social inequalities, especially for financially precarious groups. This qualitative study examines how the digital divide shaped access to education, healthcare, employment, and social support among low-income households, children, and people with disabilities in Tyrol, Austria. Based on 179 interviews, it shows how limited access, low digital literacy, and inaccessible design intensified exclusion and burdened both citizens and street-level bureaucrats. The findings highlight digital inclusion as a structural necessity for equitable public services and social resilience.
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