Use of digital distress metrics to assess digital exclusion can obscure vulnerable groups: the case of migrant and seasonal farmworkers in North Carolina, U.S.A.

Abstract Purpose Broadband internet and the skills and devices necessary to use it for full participation in society are recognized as important aspects of digital inclusion. Historically, digital divides – now often termed digital exclusion – were well documented and patterned by position within a society. An emerging literature has explored measures or indicators of being part of a digital underclass, having second-class access, or digital distress to help policymakers target resources to address digital exclusion and close divides. Methods In this study, we compare existing area-level measures of digital distress derived from the American Community Survey (percent of homes with a cellular data only subscription, with no internet access, relying only on mobile devices, and not owning a computing device) to results of a 2023 statewide survey of migrant and seasonal farmworkers in North Carolina, United States. We calculate prevalence ratios to show differences in digital distress metrics. Results Migrant and seasonal farmworkers were 8.17 and 6.51 times more likely, respectively, to rely on cellular data only for internet service than North Carolina households. Migrant and seasonal farmworkers were 8.98 and 7.72 times more likely, respectively, to rely on mobile devices than North Carolina households. Conclusion In this study, we show how state- and county-level digital distress measures can mask digital distress in specific groups. Policymakers and researchers should consider if specific populations’ digital exclusion cannot be captured in area-level or whole population metrics.