#250 Note: “I Use YouTube Now in COVID”: Understanding Technology Adoption of Indigenous Communities during COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh

Indigenous communities in Bangladesh are comparatively disadvantaged and face several barriers regarding rights. Access to technology as well as ICT can help the indigenous communities by opening new dimensions in economic, political, and social aspects. The recent COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the adoption of technology for routine use which is equally important for indigenous communities, but their technology adoption scenario remains unexplored in HCI research. Considering the research gap, we interviewed n=36 (Female 26 and Male 10) indigenous people from six different indigenous communities from Chattagarm and Sylhet division in Bangladesh. We found their communities scenarios that are strongly connected in communities, have independent technology access and have no gender differences. They have a strong interest and eagerness to learn available technologies that help them in their professions, enrich their technical skills, communication, social participation, and expand the business. The study also revealed some challenges while using technology, but that did not negatively impact their usage. The study also discussed the community-centric strengths that helped them to fight against the COVID-19 crisis and work for their development. This research makes a footprint on HCI literature revealing the technology adoption scenarios of Indigenous communities in Bangladesh.