How Internet Access Became a Lifeline During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped nearly every aspect of life, but one factor stood out as a critical determinant of survival: internet access. A groundbreaking study from the University of Michigan reveals that U.S. counties with higher broadband connectivity experienced considerably lower COVID-19 mortality rates during the summer and early fall of 2020. The findings, published in SSM-Population Health, underscore the internet’s role as a vital “social determinant of health” during public health crises.
The Power of Connectivity
The study found that counties with high internet access had 48%-53% fewer new COVID-19 deaths and 19%-34% fewer deaths per 100,000 residents compared to areas with limited connectivity. Residents in these counties also reported higher rates of mask-wearing and fewer new cases between July and October 2020.
“I was struck by the magnitude of the difference that internet access made in reducing rates of COVID-19 cases and deaths,” said Spencer Allen, the study’s lead author and a doctoral student in sociology at the University of Michigan. “very few studies have looked at the relationship between internet access and COVID-19 outcomes in the U.S. To my knowledge, this is the first paper to focus on that relationship in the early pandemic when we still knew relatively little about COVID-19.”
A Digital Lifeline
during the pandemic,the internet became more than just a tool for communication—it was a lifeline. Broadband access enabled millions to stay informed about protective measures like masking and social distancing, access telehealth services, and transition to remote work and education. It also reduced exposure to crowded spaces, a key factor in curbing the virus’s spread.
“Like many Americans, I first learned about COVID-19 and how to protect myself from the virus online,” Allen shared.“Though, I also knew that not everyone could access the internet. This tension made me wonder: When so much facts about the pandemic was shared online, did parts of the country with higher internet access fare better during the pandemic than parts with lower internet access?”
Policy Implications and Challenges
The study highlights the urgent need for equitable internet access, not just during pandemics but as a fundamental right. Allen emphasized, “Internet access is not a commodity: It is a lifesaving resource that can help people access information about health conditions, connect with their medical teams, and maintain beneficial social connections.”
Recent federal initiatives, such as the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program and the digital Equity Act, aim to bridge the digital divide. However, these efforts remain vulnerable to political shifts, leaving millions of Americans disconnected.
A recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit further complicates the issue by stripping the Federal Communications Commission’s ability to enforce net neutrality. This principle ensures that internet service providers cannot throttle speeds or charge extra for specific services.
“While my research suggests that internet access can be beneficial for health in the pandemic,just having an internet connection means very little if someone can’t access the entire internet,” Allen noted. “Congress must act to enshrine internet access in the law to guarantee that every American has free and equal access to the internet.”
Looking Ahead
Allen’s research is part of a growing body of evidence linking internet access to health outcomes. He is now expanding his work to explore whether this connection existed before the pandemic. “I want to determine whether the link between internet access and mortality is unique to the pandemic or has existed over a longer period,” he said.
Key Findings at a Glance
| Metric | High Internet Access Counties | Low Internet Access counties |
|———————————|————————————|———————————–|
| New COVID-19 Deaths (Summer 2020) | 48%-53% fewer | Higher rates |
| Deaths per 100,000 Residents | 19%-34% fewer | Higher rates |
| mask-wearing Rates (July 2020) | Slightly higher | Lower rates |
| New COVID-19 Cases (July-Oct 2020) | Fewer reported | More reported |
The pandemic has made it clear: internet access is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity. As Allen’s research shows, bridging the digital divide could save lives in future public health crises.
For more insights into the study, read the full paper in SSM-Population Health here.
