In today’s society we depend on technology to complete essential tasks such as paying bills, looking for deals to save money, apply for jobs among other tasks. The gap between those who have access to the latest technology and those who do not is called the ‘digital divide’.

In 2018 the following statistics were found:

5.3 million adults in the UK (10% of the UK population) described internet non-users

8% of people (4.3 million people) have zero basic digital skills

Source:Office of National Statistics

2020 Pandemic

The 2020 pandemic has further highlighted the existence of the digital divide within the UK. Here are a few scenarios that people may have experienced during lockdown.

Home Learning

Closure of schools, colleges, and universities meant any form of learning would need to be done at home. Assignments or homework would be assigned via an online portal. To access the portal, families would need internet access as well as an internet-enabled device to acquire work and the necessary information to complete the work. Some assignments would require the student to print off a worksheet to fill in and then re-scan the worksheet to send back to the teacher. Online based classrooms started occurring during lockdown via video conferencing services such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Students would need to have access to a device with a webcam and mic for students to interact with classmates and teachers. Parents of children at a young age would need to know how to set these devices up to enable them to learn.  

Working from Home and Finding Jobs

Many of the workforces have been working from home provided that they have facilities such as a stable internet connection and equipment to work from home. Individuals will need basic knowledge to set all this up.

Unfortunately, for some, they may have been made redundant due to the pandemic consequently losing their income. To apply for job safely many companies require applicants to apply online via recruitment websites. Especially in today’s climate, a job interview may happen online to see whether you’re the correct fit for the company. If an individual gets the job, they may be required to fill in forms before they can start the job.

Lockdown and Isolation

As we know lockdown has meant families and friends have been kept apart to decrease the spread of COVID-19. For many of us, we have used digital technologies such as Face Time, Zoom, and other video call platforms to communicate with families and friends. People who have zero digital skills may struggle with isolation this year. Another factor that the pandemic has impacted the digital divide is when you are self-isolating and have to order food groceries online. Ordering groceries online can be very helpful if you are isolating. The lack of digital skills to navigate the web safely to order groceries means more reliance on others to help and not have the ability to live independently.    

Track and Trace

The use of the track and trace system requires some knowledge of digital skills such as installing the track and trace app, turning on Bluetooth as well as navigating the app to add your symptoms. If the track and trace app suggests you may have the virus then you are required to take a test which requires knowledge of navigating forms correctly.

Barriers to getting online

Access

It can be expensive to start your digital journey; most likely, you will need a reasonably good internet connection. The price of the equipment itself can be expensive and out of financial means, the slow introduction of smartphones/tablets has helped with the uptake of digital technology. For many people this might be their first time interacting with digital technology and will therefore need time to learn how to use the technologies and some may not be willing to admit their lack of knowledge. Individuals with disabilities will need digital technologies that are adapted to their needs, otherwise websites or mobile apps that have poor usability will frustrate the user.

Motivation

Many people will have no interest in learning how to use digital technologies as they feel they will not benefit much from their use. For some, they feel the cost/benefit of adaptation is too high, therefore they are not willing to invest their time and money on the technology.

Skills and Confidence

For some who are willing to have a go at using digital technologies may not have the base skill and understanding of how to complete basic tasks. Some may not have immediate family or friends to assist them when they need help and guidance, which for new users is valuable. A lot of people will have security concerns when using digital technologies for tasks such as banking online or paying for items. With many negative stories of online fraud happening, this may deter uptake.

Digital Inclusion

To help with digital inclusion it will require government initiatives and private sectors to provide assistance to help with digital uptake. You may have seen banks advertising digital support for its customers to provide advice and guidance on online banking. Companies can also help with the issue by providing basic training for individuals who struggle or lack understanding. They may need a private environment where 1-2-1 tuition can happen without publicly announcing their lack of understanding. Charities such as Age Concern and Help the Aged are assisting older people to adopt digital technologies in some way to improve their health and wellbeing by enabling them to live more independently. Governments and Broadband companies will need to ensure that everyone has access to broadband, especially in rural areas as well as making them affordable for families that have financial struggles.

Summary

The digital divide will continue to exist as digital technologies develop at a quick pace. Even for digitally well-informed individuals, it is a struggle to keep up. By having a support network within any group that can help and guide people will contribute to the decrease of the digital divide. Government input will be needed to assist the financial burden that digital technologies could have on families by providing discount schemes for internet broadband packages and internet-enabled devices. As essential services become more digitalised, it will be important to ensure everyone has access to support networks to upskill and assist in digital technology problems they may encounter. Responsibility also falls on application developers to ensure digital products have a simple user interface for easy navigation and cater for people who may have a disability. It is a global responsibility to ensure everyone has access to essential services to go about our daily lives. For many of us, we take for granted our ability to access online services from our smartphones, tablets, laptops, or desktops.  However, for some the digital divide is preventing them from accessing essential services, education, and their future jobs.  

Video: The Digital Divide Explained by Freethink

A great video highlighting The Digital Divide and what some people have to do to access internet services. It is worth the watch and think about yourself or people you may know who have not got access to the internet.