Browsers Don't Lie? Gender Differences in the Effects of the Indian Covid-19 Lockdown on Digital Activity and Time Use

We measure gender differences in the impact of the initial Indian COVID-19 lockdown using an online survey fielded during the lockdown that ended with consensual provision of browser history records. Digital activity increased dramatically during the lockdown for both men and women, but men’s activity increased significantly more. Gender differences are present overall and for categories including leisure, production, and job search, and are most prominent among parents. Despite increasing their time online by more than mothers, fathers self-reported significantly larger increases in childcare time. This contrast underscores the potential value of incorporating objective browser data in time use research