In a previous blog, What Are The Barriers To Digital Inclusion In 2022? we defined Digital Inclusion and discussed the Research for the UK digital strategy which suggests that there are a number of important barriers, and more than one may affect individuals at any one time.
In this blog, we will explore the top barriers to digital inclusion in the UK in 2023.
Limited Access to Technology and Internet Connectivity
One of the most significant barriers to digital inclusion in the UK in 2023 is the limited access to technology and internet connectivity. While the UK government has pledged to ensure that all homes have access to high-speed broadband by 2025, many households still do not have access to the internet or cannot afford the necessary devices to access it. This is especially prevalent in rural areas or in low-income households.
Digital Skills Gap
The digital skills gap is another significant barrier to digital inclusion in the UK in 2023. Despite efforts to increase digital literacy through educational initiatives, many individuals lack the necessary skills to navigate digital technologies effectively. This can prevent them from accessing essential services or participating in the digital economy.
Language and Literacy Barriers
For individuals who do not speak English as their first language or who have low literacy levels, digital technologies can be challenging to use effectively. This can prevent them from accessing essential services or participating fully in society. Additionally, some digital interfaces use technical jargon or complex language, making it difficult for users to understand and use them.
Age and Disability
Older people and those with disabilities face significant barriers to digital inclusion in the UK in 2023. Many digital interfaces are not designed to be accessible to those with disabilities, making it challenging for them to use digital technologies effectively. Additionally, older people may have physical limitations that make it difficult to use digital devices, such as hearing or vision impairments.
Digital Exclusion as a Result of Social Exclusion
Finally, some people may be digitally excluded as a result of social exclusion. Homeless people, for example, may not have access to the necessary infrastructure or devices to use digital technologies effectively. Similarly, those who are socially isolated may lack the support or knowledge necessary to access digital technologies effectively.
Conclusion
Digital inclusion is crucial for ensuring that everyone in the UK has equal access to the benefits of digital technologies. However, there are still significant barriers to digital inclusion in the UK in 2023. These include limited access to technology and internet connectivity, a digital skills gap, language and literacy barriers, age and disability, and digital exclusion as a result of social exclusion. Addressing these barriers will require a concerted effort from government, private sector organizations, and civil society to ensure that everyone has the skills and access they need to participate fully in the digital world.
Digital Partnerships
At Achieve Foundation, we know from experience that the best way to help digitally excluded people is to provide one to one support with trusted digital champions.
A major drawback to digital inclusion is the resourcing of this support in terms of financing and availability of skilled champions. We believe that this can only be solved through partnership and collaboration.
Partnership is an essential foundation for digital inclusion strategies as no single organisation can solve this issue alone.
Therefore, Achieve Foundation continues to work with a wide variety of partners to build local digital inclusion partnerships.
Get in touch to partner with us to end digital inequalities.
This information is licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated.
Link: https://digital.nhs.uk/about-nhs-digital/our-work/digital-inclusion/what-digital-inclusion-is
