WIREDGOV

Get online week kicked off yesterday, with our 7th annual campaign encouraging everyone in Britain to get digital for the week. New research commissioned by Tinder Foundation is proving that campaigns like Get online week remain vital as people who are still offline are missing out more than ever.

In a survey conducted with new UK online centres visitors over August, some 70 per cent of respondents reported their digital skills levels had left them behind the times, with 65 per cent saying they felt frustrated with themselves, and 62 per cent feeling out of the loop.

More than half felt they were missing out on family news and photographs, with 55 per cent reporting that their lack of digital skills actually prevents them keeping in touch with family and friends. 56 per cent also felt their skills were stopping them from saving money and finding bargains by researching and comparing prices online. 

Helen Milner, chief executive of Tinder Foundation, says: “We know so much more about the digital divide than we used to – who’s affected, where, and how - but not necessarily how it feels to be on the wrong side of it. That’s where this survey comes in. 

“It’s no surprise that being left out of something can be frustrating, but as we get more and more people online it’s too often assumed those left over can’t see the need for change. Clearly that’s not always the case, and some people know very well what they’re missing out on – and ultimately that’s got to be the key in engaging them in online life. 

During Get online week we aim to find people’s personal ‘triggers’ – the things that matter most to them that can tip the balance between use and non-use.  This survey helped us think about how to motivate people, and how to start our Get online week conversations.” 

UK online centre learner Colin Sprot is someone who has already made sure he’s not missing out. He says: “I’m in my late 70s, and I decided I needed to get to grips with computers and the internet after I lost my wife. I specifically wanted to be able to order my groceries and get them delivered, because I knew it would make life on my own that much easier.  

Like all old people, I was very wary of security and things like that, because spending your hard-earned money on the computer is such a strange and scary concept. I’m not the sharpest tool in the box, but with a bit of help I’ve been able to get through, and it’s been well worth it.  Now managing my money and shopping for my groceries online is easy!  I’d definitely recommend anyone else to get involved with Get online week this year, because who knows where you’ll end up?"

With 7.2 million people in the UK who have never used the internet before, and an estimated 8.5 million who don’t have the skills to make the most of online life, Get online week is aiming to help them all to get more out of online life.