Digital divide revisited during and beyond COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the significance of the “digital divide”; however, its research terminology remains inconsistent, and the intersection of the pandemic with the digital divide has been under-explored. To address these gaps, this paper begins with a conceptual analysis aimed at clarifying three pivotal concepts: digital divide, digital inequality, and digital exclusion. Following this, a scoping review of contemporary literature from January 2020 to December 2022 identifies five key aspects of the digital divide that have become prominent globally during the crisis, revealing how the pandemic has not only exposed but also intensified inequalities within the digital society. Both the conceptual analysis and empirical evidence emphasize the complexity and contextuality of the digital divide, enriching our understanding of its multifaceted challenges. Based on these insights, the paper concludes by calling for a holistic view and analytical strategy that not only seeks to bridge technological gaps but also targets the underlying social structures, thereby promoting digital inclusivity for all.