That’s why it’s so vital that everybody — particularly older individuals, college students and folks in low-income communities — has entry to these instruments. The digital divide is actual, and within the coming months, these with out web entry or units that may run newer software program will probably be shut out of most of the digital communities we’re constructing to assist each other.

As well as to different financial rescue measures, it might be time for a form of world Geek Squad, a military of tech-savvy individuals who can ship free or deeply discounted units to individuals who don’t have them, and educate them (from a secure distance) how to be a part of Zoom conferences, ship and obtain textual content messages, and make FaceTime calls.

Not too long ago, I referred to as Jaron Lanier, the writer and technologist who coined the time period “digital actuality.” Mr. Lanier, who has been experimenting with constructing digital communities for years, mentioned he understood why the thought of shifting our offline establishments onto the web made some individuals uncomfortable.

“We noticed the web flip into this bizarre, darkish manipulation machine,” he mentioned. “Naturally, we fear that this might be one other manner to change into misplaced or loopy.”

However he additionally mentioned there was purpose for cautious optimism, given the inventive methods individuals are already discovering to transfer their real-world assist methods on-line.

“The apparent factor to say” concerning the coronavirus, Mr. Lanier mentioned, “is that individuals will undergo from a way of isolation. However there is perhaps some good issues. It might reintroduce individuals to their households. It would make individuals a bit extra grounded. It helps you reappreciate the wealth we have now in a spot like a house. It’s form of a revelation that we have now the nice fortune to even have the ability to do that.”

Mr. Lanier is correct. Because the virus forces us indoors, we needs to be pondering of the way to spend money on our digital areas, and construct strong digital connections that may substitute a few of the bodily proximity we’re shedding, in addition to mobilizing to assist our real-world communities in a time of monumental want.

We are able to use know-how to meet this disaster, slightly than simply distracting ourselves from it.