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

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