The framework in Sieck et al. (2021) really helped me see how deeply technology access connects to every other part of someone’s well-being. They describe digital inclusion as a “super social determinant of health,” and I couldn’t agree more. Without affordable internet, reliable devices, and digital literacy skills, people are automatically at a disadvantage when it comes to healthcare, education, employment, and even basic connection with others.
I found Figure 1 especially eye-opening because it shows how digital access impacts all the other social determinants of health. It made me think about how many of our systems assume people have online access, whether it’s applying for food assistance, scheduling medical appointments, or attending therapy. I think this framework is a great way to capture the reality of today’s world: if we’re serious about equity, we can’t ignore technology.
Sanders and Scanlon (2021) take that idea even further by explaining how the digital divide is really a social justice issue. Their section on digital redlining stood out the most to me. It’s frustrating, but not surprising, to see how low-income, rural, and marginalized communities are systematically excluded from high-speed internet access. It’s the same structural inequality we see in housing, healthcare, and education, just in a digital form.
I thought their argument was convincing because they tie technology access to basic human rights. The United Nations declared internet access a human right in 2016, and that’s exactly how we should see it. Without it, people are cut off from vital opportunities to learn, work, and engage in civic life. The authors also highlight how these inequities hit hardest for families of color, older adults, and people living in poverty, groups that social workers are often serving. They definitely defined the problem correctly by framing the internet as essential infrastructure, not a luxury.
The advocacy strategies they outline also made a lot of sense. I liked the focus on community-level solutions like expanding municipal broadband and using libraries as digital literacy hubs. The example of Chattanooga’s publicly owned internet system was inspiring; it shows that change is possible when local governments prioritize inclusion over profit.
That said, some suggestions feel harder to sustain without consistent funding. Programs that rely on one-time grants often fade out, leaving the same communities disconnected again. I think social workers can play a huge role in keeping the conversation going, advocating for policy changes and helping clients access affordable internet options, the same way we connect people to housing or healthcare resources.
The third article by Craig et al. (2021) put a real-world lens on all of this. Their work adapting Affirmative CBT for LGBTQ+ youth through telehealth shows how technology can bridge gaps when used thoughtfully. I loved how intentional their approach was; they didn’t just move sessions online, they made sure it still felt safe and affirming. For example, they encouraged pronouns in Zoom display names, used the chat for reflection exercises, and made time for grounding activities to help with online fatigue.
This connected so well to the other articles. If a young person doesn’t have private internet access or a safe space at home, they might lose out on interventions like AFFIRM altogether. It’s another reminder that digital access isn’t just about equipment; it’s about emotional safety, privacy, and being seen. I think Craig et al. did a great job showing how social workers can adapt clinical skills while keeping inclusion at the center.
After reading all three pieces, one big takeaway for me is that technology access has become a form of social work practice. Whether it’s connecting a client to telehealth, helping someone sign up for a patient portal, or advocating for equitable broadband policies, this is part of what it means to promote social justice today.
The digital divide touches everything: mental health, education, recovery, employment, and connection. As social workers, we’re often the bridge for people who’ve been left out. Making sure they’re not digitally left behind is another way to empower, advocate, and help build a more equitable world.
References
Craig, S. L., Iacono, G., Pascoe, R., & Austin, A. (2021). Adapting clinical skills to telehealth: Applications of affirmative cognitive-behavioral therapy with LGBTQ+ youth. Clinical Social Work Journal, 49(4), 471–483. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-021-00796-x
Sanders, C. K., & Scanlon, E. (2021). The digital divide is a human rights issue: Advancing social inclusion through social work advocacy. Journal of Human Rights and Social Work, 6(2), 130–143. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41134-020-00147-9
Sieck, C. J., Sheon, A., Ancker, J. S., Castek, J., Callahan, B., & Siefer, A. (2021). Digital inclusion as a social determinant of health. npj Digital Medicine, 4(52). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-021-00413-8
I felt the same about the third article. They didn’t just give them an “equal” approach, they were inclusive with their motives.
Sanders and Scanlon (2012) made some great points that challenged my thinking. Some have access to the internet but do not know how to use it, as well as individuals who are given access to telehealth but struggle with navigating these services. I believe that doctors’ offices should provide a tutorial on how to access and use these applications. I remember when my doctor’s office sent me the link to create a password and username to access my medical records and set up appointments. I had to learn to do this without a tutorial video. I also agree with your perspective on using libraries as literacy hubs. I remember growing up without internet access; the library was a beautiful place to be. The librarians assisted us by offering internet classes and helping us navigate online resources to find information for our research projects.
I enjoyed reading your post. I liked how you pointed out that the organizations with the one-time specific grants may discontinue or fade out and the disconnection. I agree that socials workers will have to help bridge the gap and provide programs that will last and sustain over time. I know it’s easier said than done, however with so many critical thinkers here and throughout the social work community we can all pitch in, create, and innovate programs, trainings, and mandatory framework for closing the gap in the digital divide.