Konrad CZAPIEWSKI, Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
Krzysztof JANC, University of Wroclaw, Poland
Denis CERIC, Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
The lockout period has clearly shown the dependence on digital technology. The Internet, along with related technologies, has ceased to be a convenience and has become the ultimate tool for everyday function. Concerning the digital divide, no matter of the continent or country, rural areas seems to be double hit by COVID-19 pandemic. Generally, digital technologies reduce the uneven distribution of development opportunities. The Internet may be important in the processes of transformation of rural areas on many levels. Information and the ability to use it is becoming a more important factor in rural development. But development of infrastructure and digital literacy in rural areas is lower than the one in the cities.
Therefore, our analysis aims to identify the challenges of the rural areas in digital infrastructure and digital literacy during the quarantine period caused by COVID-19 disease. On the example of Poland, we argue that ongoing pandemic underlines spatial injustice in rural areas. The conducted analysis indicated that the demand for digital technology in the context of a pandemic and a common lockdown deepened the digital divide in rural areas, mostly in digital infrastructure, but also in digital literacy. They also demonstrated the enormous role of the local government in overcoming the situation.
The study was based on a contextual analysis of statements made by representatives of different social groups published in the national and local press on the challenges of Internet use in rural areas during the first period of the COVID-19 pandemic (March-June 2020). The content analysis of the articles has been done, with a special focus on digital technology use. The challenges of online working, education, shopping and other services have been tackled.
This research was funded by National Science Centre, Poland. Grant number 2020/39/B/HS4/00423 – “Digital technologies and spatial justice. The challenges for smart rural development” (SMART RURAL).
Keywords: COVID-19|digital divide|rural areas|spatial justice|Poland
A103782KC