How can we improve digital inclusion post COVID-19?
Spotlight for Loneliness Awareness Week
The most distinguishing societal change in response to COVID-19 has been the global switch to digital technology, with many at risk of being left behind.
Organisations like Citizens Online made the call for everyone to have free access to the Internet during the pandemic, while the Department for Education (DfE) offered access to internet and technology for all school-age families in the UK.
This image shows an example of a young boy studying on a laptop.
Compounding health inequalities
Despite healthcare services also being moved online, the need for a similar national scheme for universal digital access, seemed to be missed. The backlog of untreated illness has particularly impacted people without digital access.
By not offering free digital access and support to people who are digitally excluded because they are unable to get online, we have only compounded health inequalities.
What drives the digital divide?
The government describes the digital divide as ‘the gap between people in society who have full access to digital technologies (internet and computers) and those who do not.’
The pandemic has brought to light the inequalities that already exist. The factors that underpin health inequalities, like employment and education, are the same factors that drive the UK’s digital divide.
Yet, growing research is finding that for those who have access, digital technology helps to reduce feelings of loneliness, anger, irritability, and boredom, while helping to improve people’s sense of belonging.
Dr Richard Sharpe from Public Health, Cornwall Council, says: “Providing digital support to Cornwall’s residence during the pandemic has been crucial, and it’s a priority looking forward.”
“Working with the Inclusion Cornwall team has been essential in helping people to get online. For example, they’ve teamed up with the Step into Wellness programme at Age UK Cornwall, to help people who have been shielding to connect with others”.
This photo shows the Smartline team helping people to get online before the pandemic.
How can we improve digital inclusion?
People experience digital exclusion throughout society and it’s not just a product of being elderly or rural. We need to understand its nuances to overcome it.
Our Principal Investigator, Dr Karyn Morrissey, explains: “Digital inclusion is not as simple as giving someone a device and paying for their internet. To promote digital inclusion we need to understand why and how people want to engage with the digital world.”
“Our research shows that data and privacy are common concerns, so is ‘making a mistake’ or ‘pressing the wrong button’. Some people only want to use WhatsApp. Others want to learn new skills to communicate online, do online shopping, keep track of finances, and to be able to schedule a COVID-19 test or reach their GP.”
Supporting digital readiness
Encouraging digital readiness means understanding and responding to people’s concerns, and helping to instil confidence in using everyday technology.
Digital inclusion used to be an optional extra. Now, COVID-19 has shown that digital readiness can impact on all aspects of health and wellbeing.
For more information
Cornwall Council, Coastline Housing and Volunteer Cornwall have teamed up for our Getting Online: Staying Connected project, helping more people to get online.
You can also explore more research linked to digital inclusion, and follow Cornwall Council and Karyn Morrissey on Twitter.