Closing the digital divide
One in four Australians are categorised as being digitally excluded, with the gap between the younger and older generations widening, according to new research.
One in four Australians are categorised as being digitally excluded, with the gap between the younger and older generations widening, according to new research.
Conducted by national digital inclusion charity – Good Things Foundation – the research also shows one-in-three Australians (34 per cent) either feel overwhelmed with changing technology or are unable to keep up its evolvement.
The research reveals some are struggling with technology more than others, with seven in 10 people aged over 65 saying they find it difficult to stay up to date with the latest innovations (70 per cent).
Good Things Foundation chief executive officer Jess Wilson said that digital skills were crucial for people to participate in modern society. “Ensuring all Australians can get online is essential to increasing social and economic participation. So many aspects of our lives now happen online with our research revealing that 86 per cent of Australians use the internet to pay bills or bank online while over half use it to access government and health services. In today’s world, digital skills are a must not a nice to have.”
People with a disability and people who don’t speak English are also among those struggling to stay abreast of modern technology, with one in four saying it’s hard to keep up.
However, it is First Nations people living in regional locations who are the most excluded from technology, with one in two (48 per cent) considered digitally isolated. This is largely attributed to internet access, with research revealing more than a third (36 per cent) have unreliable internet connection – 22 per cent higher than the national average.
Good Foundation’s research shows that affordability is also creating a digital divide with 46 per cent of Australians saying the cost of living increases have impacted their ability to get online. Meanwhile, one in five people (19 per cent) have had to choose between paying for their internet/phone or other essential items like food or housing.
The research coincides with Get Online Week – an initiative that aims to close Australia’s digital divide. During the week – 16-22 October – more than 500 community organisations will hold events across the country to support thousands of people to log online with confidence.
“These local events reach people in need of digital support, who may otherwise get left behind,” said Ms Wilson. “Get Online Week will change the lives of many digitally excluded Australians, for good.”
Ms Wilson is urging people struggling with technology to reach out and seek support. “Whether that’s learning how to access craft tutorials on YouTube, virtually travelling the world or learning how to use a smartphone, tablet, or computer, community organisations will be helping everyday Australians to improve their digital literacy and close the digital divide this Get Online Week.”
To find an event in your area, visit aus.getonlineweek.com or call 1300 795 897.
Main image: a senior being taught tech skills at Boronia Multicultural Service in Sydney’s west
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