A recent study has revealed that a significant number of individuals in the UK lack the confidence to use digital tools effectively, leading to financial losses, missed job opportunities, and decreased productivity. The research, conducted by the Good Things Foundation, a digital inclusion charity, highlights the repercussions of this digital confidence gap on various aspects of people’s lives.
According to the study, 26% of respondents admitted they did not feel confident enough to compete for jobs online, while 10% felt they lacked the necessary internet skills to manage their finances or capitalize on online shopping discounts. The lack of confidence was even more pronounced among the 5% of individuals without broadband access, emphasizing the widening digital divide amidst ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
Moreover, the research revealed that 15% of participants did not feel secure online, with concerns about personal data security topping the list for 61% of respondents. Alarmingly, 31% reported encountering online scams frequently, and 9% expressed a lack of confidence in spotting and avoiding scams, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats.
In response to these findings, the Good Things Foundation is calling for action to address the digital confidence divide in the UK. The charity is encouraging individuals to refer their friends and family to its Learn My Way courses, designed to equip people with essential digital skills.
Helen Milner, the group chief executive of the Good Things Foundation, emphasized the significance of digital skills, particularly in light of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Milner stated, “As the cost-of-living crisis continues, digital skills are more than just convenient – they are the foundation for full participation in society, enabling people to manage finances, find employment, and stay safe online.”
The Learn My Way courses are part of the National Digital Inclusion Network, comprising over 5,000 organizations committed to enhancing digital literacy in local communities. Malathy Muthu, the chief executive of Skills Enterprise within the network, highlighted the growing disparity between those with and without digital skills, especially amidst the current economic challenges.
Muthu stressed the importance of digital skills in improving quality of life and addressing the widening gap caused by the cost-of-living crisis. She encouraged individuals to take advantage of the free digital skills courses like Learn My Way, which have already helped many individuals save money, secure jobs, and enhance their online safety.
The National Digital Inclusion Network is actively hosting events during Get Online Week 2024 to raise awareness and tackle the digital confidence gap. Through such initiatives, the network aims to empower individuals to navigate the digital landscape confidently and effectively, bridging the digital divide for a more inclusive society.