Many people lack the confidence to use online tools, and this hesitation is costing them money, job opportunities, and productive time. A study by the digital inclusion charity, the Good Things Foundation, revealed that over a quarter (26%) of individuals do not feel adequately prepared to compete for jobs online. Additionally, one in ten people expressed a lack of internet skills to manage their finances or find discounts while shopping on the web.
The research highlighted a concerning trend, showing that 5% of participants had no access to broadband, further exacerbating the digital divide. This gap in skills and access becomes more critical during ongoing cost-of-living challenges. Noteworthy findings from the study include 15% of respondents lacking confidence in staying safe online, a figure that rises to 22% among those without broadband. Concerns about online security and encounters with scams were also prevalent, with 61% expressing worries about personal data security and 31% facing online scams, of which 9% felt unable to identify them.
The Good Things Foundation surveyed 2,007 UK residents for this study. In response, the charity is encouraging individuals to refer friends and family to its Learn My Way courses, designed to help people acquire essential digital skills. Helen Milner, the group chief executive of the Good Things Foundation, emphasized the importance of addressing the digital divide, especially in the current economic climate.
The Learn My Way courses are part of the broader National Digital Inclusion Network, comprising over 5,000 organisations working towards enhancing digital literacy in local communities. Malathy Muthu, the chief executive of Skills Enterprise within the network, highlighted the widening gap between those with digital skills and those without, underscoring the significance of digital proficiency for quality of life, particularly during challenging times.
The free digital skills courses aim to empower individuals to save money, secure employment, and navigate online platforms with confidence. The call to action urges people to take advantage of these resources and refer others to bridge the digital gap. As the charity continues its efforts to promote digital inclusion, events during Get Online Week 2024 aim to raise awareness and address the disparities that exist in accessing and utilising online tools effectively.