Digital Divide in Homeless Population: ML analysis of Technology Access and Usage Patterns in California, USA

Abstract

Digital technologies cannot be imagined without modern life, and they can afford several advantages, including better healthcare, education, economic growth, and a more civilized society. However, issues regarding the disparity in access continue to exist, particularly among low-income groups in the United States, such as the older group, disabled people, and homeless individuals who are disadvantaged in the digital world. Based on 421 homeless adults referred to permanent supportive housing in California, 94% had cell phones with almost half having a smartphone (mostly Android-based), and they frequently used their phone daily, including 76 per cent with text messaging and 51 per cent with the internet, though one in three said they had no recent connection to the internet. Latent dimensions of engagement were developed using machine-learned methods on principal component analysis and the k-means algorithm, and logistic regression, three discrete digital profiles, and predicates (including texting frequency) that did not decrease the possibility of daily internet use. The results suggest that mobile technology can be used as a useful channel of health interventions among this cohort. A stable internet connection, literacy education, and availability of inexpensive devices to bridge the digital divide is therefore essential in the process of integrating and well-being of homeless people.