New research reveals biggest barriers to getting online
New poll reveals 18% of people have stopped using some products and services because they are only available online. Good Things Foundation's new Learn My Way is a free learning platform addressing digital exclusion.
Good Things Foundation has commissioned new research to reveal the biggest barriers stopping people from getting online. 38% of the UK think that the biggest barrier stopping people from getting online is not knowing how to use the internet or digital services. 22% are afraid of giving away their personal data online and are scared of being scammed.
Digital exclusion is defined as not having the necessary means of access, skills and confidence to use the internet and benefit fully from digital technology in everyday life. To address digital exclusion in the UK, we created Learn My Way, a free learning platform for basic digital
skills to get people online and stay connected. Learn My Way offers over 30 free topics ranging from using a keyboard to support with how to claim Universal Credit. The platform also helps people to set up and access online banking and to stay safe online.
With the internet playing such a prominent role in everyday life, the poll reveals strong public support for action on digital inclusion with over three quarters (77%) of people saying that being able to access the internet is an essential need, not a luxury, while 74% of people agree that they would feel cut off from society if they did not have access to the internet.
Not being able to get online is having a direct impact on societal inclusion, with 18% of people
revealing they stopped using some products and services because they are only available online. For access to key public services such as NHS prescriptions, 37% of people often have to help members of their family or friends gain access to the internet.
People who are digitally excluded and need help can visit one of the National Digital Inclusion
Network community hubs across the UK. There are over 1,000 hubs listed on the network map as local trusted places where people can find support to get online and develop their digital skills and confidence.
Emma Stone, Director of Evidence and Engagement at Good Things Foundation: “As the UK’s leading digital inclusion charity, Good Things Foundation offers lots of free resources to local organisations, such as libraries and community centres, which help people who are digitally excluded. Learn My Way provides digital skills and increased digital confidence, allowing users to tailor their own learning programme with a choice of bitesize topics. Our research highlighted that 76% of people would support the UK Government to invest in digital skills training to make sure everyone has the skills they need to access the internet. It is our goal to continue addressing digital exclusion in the UK to create a digitally inclusive society so that everyone can improve their life through digital.”
Good Things Foundation convenes cross-sector support for people who are not able to access the benefits of being online. Together with Virgin Media O2, they developed the National Databank, supported by Vodafone and Three, which is now active in 1,000 locations across the UK. The initiative is like a food bank, but provides free mobile data, texts and calls to help people stay digitally included.
People who need help with digital learning and digital confidence can find their local community hub through this interactive map.