A new study has revealed that a significant number of people are missing out on job opportunities and financial savings due to a lack of confidence in using online tools. The research, conducted by digital inclusion charity the Good Things Foundation, showed that over a quarter (26%) of individuals do not feel capable of competing for jobs online. Additionally, one in 10 participants expressed a lack of internet skills needed to manage finances or access online discounts.
The study highlighted a concerning statistic that 5% of people have no access to broadband, exacerbating the digital divide and intensifying the impact, especially during current cost-of-living challenges. Beyond financial implications, the research uncovered that 15% of respondents lacked confidence in staying safe online, with this figure rising to 22% among those without broadband access. Furthermore, 61% expressed concerns about the security of their personal information online, while 31% reported encountering online scams frequently, with 9% feeling unable to recognise such scams, leaving them vulnerable.
The Good Things Foundation surveyed 2,007 individuals in the UK for their study. In response to the findings, the charity is encouraging the public to refer friends and family to their Learn My Way courses, designed to help individuals develop basic digital skills. Helen Milner, group chief executive of the Good Things Foundation, stressed the importance of addressing the digital divide, especially amidst the current cost-of-living crisis, as digital skills are fundamental for full participation in society, enabling people to manage finances, secure employment, and navigate online safety.
The Learn My Way courses are part of the National Digital Inclusion Network, comprising over 5,000 organisations dedicated to promoting digital inclusion in local communities. Malathy Muthu, chief executive of Skills Enterprise, part of the Network, emphasised the widening gap between individuals with and without digital skills, particularly in light of the cost-of-living crisis. Muthu underscored the value of the free and user-friendly Learn My Way initiative in building individuals’ confidence in enhancing their digital abilities, ultimately saving money, accessing job opportunities, and ensuring online safety.
The push for digital skill development coincides with events like Get Online Week 2024, aimed at raising awareness and bridging the digital divide to empower individuals with the essential skills needed in today’s digital landscape.