In today’s world, being online is almost as necessary as having electricity or water. But what about those who can’t get online or don’t have the gadgets? At Chichester District Foodbank, we see how being left out of the digital world can make tough situations even harder for the people we help.
Think about how we do everyday things now, like using an app to shop faster at the grocery store or getting discounts because the store knows what we buy. Even paying for things is often done with a tap on a smartphone. It’s easy and quick for many of us, but not everyone can join in. Imagine living in a world where you can’t use the internet or modern gadgets. That’s a reality for some people today. At Chichester District Foodbank, we know that not being able to get online can make life even harder for the people we help.
According to the 2023 UK Consumer Digital Index by Lloyds Bank, 2.1 million people in the UK don’t use the internet, and another 4.7 million can’t get online when they need to. It’s crucial we find ways to include everyone in our digital world.
What does being digitally excluded mean?
Digital exclusion happens when someone isn’t using technology in their daily life. This might be because there’s no good internet where they live, they can’t afford it, or they just don’t know how to use it.
Who’s missing out?
A lot of the time, it’s older people over 70 who find it hardest to get online in the UK. Although approximately 4% of the population can’t connect to Wi-Fi for several reasons. As the cost of living is going up, more people are having to choose between essentials like Wi-Fi and other basic needs.
The Digital Poverty Alliance says that around 13 to 19 million people over 16 years old in the UK don’t have good access to the internet or devices like smartphones and computers. Out of these, 1 in 5 are children. Also, if someone doesn’t have a job, they’re much more likely to have trouble getting online.
Here are stories inspired by true events:
Alex’s Journey
Alex, who came to the UK seeking safety, arrived with very little. Given a small weekly allowance, affording phone data was impossible. Luckily, a community group provided Alex with a laptop and internet access, allowing him to learn English and manage appointments.
The Taylor Family’s Struggle
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Taylor family, living in a rural area, couldn’t access reliable internet. This meant their children missed out on online schooling and fell behind their peers, highlighting the importance of digital access for education.
These stories and facts remind us why it’s vital to work towards a digitally inclusive society.
While we at Chichester District Foodbank focus on making sure no one goes hungry, we also want to start a conversation about how being online is a big part of life today and perhaps get ourselves thinking about how we can all help make sure everyone gets a fair chance to use the internet and technology.