Motivation is one of the key barriers to doing more online – over one-third of those offline say the Internet ‘doesn’t interest me’ and 48% of the digitally excluded state that ‘nothing’ could motivate them to get online.
The 2020 survey data indicates that for those offline, a lack of interest continues to be one of the biggest barriers to using the Internet. This apathy is most prevalent among the over 60s. While GDPR has reduced the worry for 23% of people since 2019, it has not completely allayed people’s fears about how organisations are using their data.
The least digitally engaged are at a real disadvantage. They are more likely to be paying higher household bills irrespective of income, household or age; for utilities alone, they are spending an average of over £348 more per year. They are also less likely to earn as much – the Index transactional and job role data indicates that, for example, digitally enabled manual workers are earning an average of £2,160 extra per annum.
As well as contributing to healthy bank balances, in light of COVID-19, digital interaction also plays a growing role in the ability to manage physical and mental health. With citizens of the UK staying at home to stay safe, technology has become a necessity for keeping connected, working remotely and accessing vital information. This is a challenge for the digitally disengaged isolating at home. Even for those online, two-thirds (66%) had not used the Internet or digital apps and tools to manage their health pre-COVID-19 (e.g. participating in online support groups etc.).
Digital skills can be a lifeline for people and are even more likely to be at this moment in time.
For people with high digital engagement, there are significant lifestyle and well-being benefits.
- 87% say it helps them to connect better with friends and family
- 84% say it helps them to organise their life
- 55% say it makes them feel more part of a community
- 44% say it helps them to manage physical and mental well-being.