Digital skills
Being able to use digital devices (such as computers or smart phones and the internet. This is important, but a lack of digital skills is not necessarily the only, or the biggest, barrier people face.
Connectivity
Access to the internet through broadband, wi-fi and mobile. People need the right infrastructure but that is only the start.
Accessibility
Services need to be designed to meet all users’ needs, including those dependent on assistive technology to access digital services.
Barriers to digital inclusion
Research for the UK digital strategy suggests that there are a number of important barriers, and more than one may affect individuals at any one time.
They are:
- access - not everyone has the ability to connect to the internet and go online
- skills - not everyone has the ability to use the internet and online services
- confidence - some people fear online crime, lack trust or don’t know where to start online
- motivation - not everyone sees why using the internet could be relevant and helpful
As access, skills and confidence improve, it is increasingly important to tackle other barriers, including:
- design - not all digital services and products are accessible and easy to use
- awareness - not everyone is aware of digital services and products available to them
- staff capability and capacity - not all health and care staff have the skills and knowledge to recommend digital services and products to patients and service users
Good Things Foundation has produced an informative report on motivations of non-users of the internet.