Journal of Emergency Practice and Trauma

The Hidden Trauma of Digital Disenfranchisement in an AI-Driven World

Document Type : Letter to Editor

Authors

Usha Rana 1
Rupender Singh 2

1 School of Gender and Development Studies (SOGDS), Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, India

2 Department of Computer and Information Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE

https://doi.org/Doi:10.34172/jept.2025.07
Abstract
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies into daily life has brought about unprecedented advancements, yet it has also exacerbated the phenomenon of digital disenfranchisement. This exclusion, stemming from disparities in access to digital resources, literacy, and infrastructure, particularly affects vulnerable groups such as the elderly, low-income individuals, rural communities, and those residing in digitally underserved regions. As AI increasingly permeates critical areas like healthcare, education, and employment, those who lack the necessary digital tools and skills face profound psychological and social consequences. This paper explores the hidden trauma of digital disenfranchisement, emphasizing the resulting feelings of isolation, inadequacy, and helplessness that contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. Through a multidimensional analysis, the paper highlights how digital exclusion not only perpetuates existing social inequalities but also introduces new forms of marginalization in an AI-driven world. The study calls for a holistic approach to address these challenges, including expanding digital literacy programs, improving access to technology, and ensuring that AI systems are designed inclusively and ethically. By addressing both the root causes and effects of digital disenfranchisement, we can foster a more equitable and inclusive digital society.

Keywords

Digital Disenfranchisement
Artificial Intelligence
Social Inequality
Digital Divide
Mental Health
Subjects
1. van Dijk J. The Digital Divide. Cambridge: Polity; 2020.
2. Robinson L, Schulz J, Blank G. The critical role of social context in digital exclusion: revisiting the concept of digital
divide. Soc Sci Comput Rev. 2015;33(4):487-502.
3. Scheerder A, van Deursen A, van Dijk J. Determinants of Internet skills, uses, and outcomes. Telecomm Policy.
2017;41(3):200-9.
4. Robinson L, Cotten SR, Ono H, Quan-Haase A, Mesch G, Chen W, et al. Digital inequalities and why they matter. Inf
Commun Soc. 2020;23(1):1-19.
5. Helsper EJ, Eynon R. Distinct skill pathways to digital engagement. Eur J Commun. 2013;28(6):696-713. doi:
10.1177/0267323113499113.
6. Eubanks V. Automating Inequality: How High-Tech Tools Profile, Police, and Punish the Poor. St. Martin’s Press; 2018.
7. Noble SU. Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism. NYU Press; 2018.
8. Vayena E, Haeusermann T, Adjekum A, Blasimme A. Digital health: meeting the ethical and policy challenges. Swiss Med Wkly. 2018;148:w14571. doi: 10.4414/smw.2018.14571.
9. Katz JE, Rice RE. Social Consequences of Internet Use: Access, Involvement, and Interaction. MIT Press; 2013.
10. Selwyn N. Reconsidering political and popular understandings of the digital divide. New Media Soc. 2004;6(3):341-62. doi:10.1177/1461444804042519.
11. Warschauer M. Technology and Social Inclusion: Rethinking the Digital Divide. MIT Press; 2004.
12. Helsper EJ. A corresponding fields model for the links between social and digital exclusion. Commun Theory. 2012;22(4):403-26. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2885.2012.01416.x.
13. Cotten SR. Examining the roles of technology in aging and quality of life. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2017;72(5):823-6. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbx109.
14. Mitzner TL, Boron JB, Fausset CB, Adams AE, Charness N, Czaja SJ, et al. Older adults talk technology: technology usage and attitudes. Comput Human Behav. 2010;26(6):1710-21. doi: 10.1016/j.chb.2010.06.020.
15. Czaja SJ, Boot WR, Charness N, Rogers WA, Sharit J. Improving social support for older adults through technology: findings from the PRISM randomized controlled trial. Gerontologist. 2018;58(3):467-77. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnw249.
Journal of Emergency Practice and Trauma
Volume 10, Issue 1
January 2024
Pages 1-3

  • Receive Date 19 January 2025
  • Revise Date 13 April 2025
  • Accept Date 05 May 2025

Home

Editor-in-Chief: Shahrad Tajoddini, MD

Guide for Authors

Submit Manuscript

Reviewers

Contact Us

Editorial board