Abstract: Because of the COVID-19, more people are faced with the opportunities and challenges of digital survival. Combined with the new digital divide theory, this paper discusses the factors that affect the digital viability of users. This will help coordinate all parties involved to help residents use digital technology and network skills more flexibly to adapt to the living environment, improve their digital survival ability, and meet their needs of learning, work and life in the digital era. This study found that in Shanghai, a modern city with mature network infrastructure, there remains a multi-level ladder of digital inequality, despite the decreasing gap in terms of information and communication equipment. This inequality is embodied in the differences of digital viability due to various factors such as individual characteristics and family characteristics. It thus proposed to promote digital education while reinforcing digital governance, and to encourage younger generation to help the older. 

Key words: Digital viability, Digital gap, COVID-19