Impact of Digital Surge During Covid-19 Pandemic: A Viewpoint on Research and Practice

Highlights

• Examination of digital surge during and after the pandemic
• Issues in blockchains, gig economy, workplace monitoring
• Aspects of internet governance, digital payments, privacy, and security
• Implications for future research and technology policy

Keywords: Digital surge, Gig work, Internet governance, Digital payments, Post-pandemic

Abstract

• Covid-19 pandemic accelerated digital technology usage due to social distancing and lockdowns.
• Organizations shifted to work-from-home (WFH); educational institutions adopted online modes.
• Blockchain technology's importance and regulatory concerns highlighted.
• Gig economy expansion raises questions about work overload and presenteeism.
• Online fraud and security management pose significant challenges.
• Digital payments gain prominence in crisis situations.
• The importance of internet governance and regulation post-pandemic.
• Research needed on digital divide, net neutrality, internet shutdown impacts, and privacy issues.

1. Introduction

• Pandemic spread to over 200 countries by late May 2020.
• Lockdowns led to increased internet use, video conferencing surged.
• New work patterns emerged as organizations adapted to online environments.
• Digital transformation was already underway pre-pandemic.
• Information systems usage expected to continue post-pandemic.

2. Scenarios and Research Issues of the Digital Surge

2.1. Increasing Digitalization

• Organizations investing in technology infrastructure to support remote work.
• Educational shift to online platforms like Zoom and Coursera.
• Adoption of technologies like Cloud, IoT, Blockchain, AI, and ML.
• Blockchain offers secure information control; research on system design and regulation needed.

2.2. Work-from-Home and Gig Workers

• Gig economy platforms impacted by pandemic, income drops noted.
• WFH culture expected to persist, impacting collaboration and work allocation.
• Issues of trust, work norms, team-building in virtual environments.
• Research on technostress, work overload and presenteeism needed.

2.3. Workplace Monitoring and Technostress

• Increased workplace monitoring with digital technology use.
• Productivity vs. technostress and work-life balance concerns.
• Demand for "no-digital" hours to manage stress anticipated.

2.4. Online Fraud

• Rise in online fraud and security breaches during the pandemic.
• Organizations and governments taking countermeasures.
• Research needed on managing security and assessing breach impacts.

2.5. Internet Access and Digital Divide

• Pandemic highlighted the necessity of internet access for all.
• Digital divide leads to social exclusion; connectivity crucial for services.
• Research on enhancing access and addressing inequalities needed.

2.6. Internet Governance: Net Neutrality and Zero-Rating

• Heavy internet use revived zero-rating discussions.
• Zero-rating plans can facilitate access during crises but challenge net neutrality.
• Research on conditions for zero-rating plan implementation needed.

2.7. Internet Governance: Shutdowns

• Internet shutdowns have severe societal impacts, worsened by the pandemic.
• Shutdowns can deter foreign investments and affect multiple sectors.
• Research needed on shutdown impacts and political implications.

2.8. Digital Money

• Digital payments preferred for contactless transactions.
• Surge in digital transactions expected; implications for crisis management.
• Research on digital payment adoption and impact.

2.9. Surveillance and Privacy

• Lockdowns led to increased surveillance via digital means.
• Concerns over privacy and state surveillance need addressing.
• Research on surveillance benefits and social complications.

3. Implications for Research and Practice

3.1. Implications for Research

• Study blockchain implications, smart contract integration.
• Investigate WFH, gig work trust, performance, and collaboration.
• Address technostress, surveillance, and digital divide.
• Explore internet management, zero-rating, and shutdown impacts.
• Examine digital payments and contact tracing app data concerns.

3.2. Implications for Practice

• Design secure technologies for online education and healthcare.
• Establish policies for digital infrastructure regulation.
• Develop secure online interaction technologies.
• Balance privacy and public health in surveillance apps.
• Manage technology resistance among employees and customers.

4. Conclusion

• The pandemic has transformative effects on digital usage, affecting all aspects of life.
• Key trends in digital surge require urgent research.
• Responses to these trends will shape the future implications.