Importance of digital connections
This change has been accelerated by the pandemic, with lockdowns and social distancing measures requiring us all to think differently about how we work, access services, entertain ourselves and connect with our family and friends. A switch to online communications provided the answer for many people. Ofcom reported that during the pandemic, twice as many using video calls were made to stay connected during lockdowns, with adults spending a record four hours a day online on average.
For some people this move towards a more digital world has left them feeling excluded. The gap in society between people who have full access to digital technologies, such as the internet and computers, and those who do not, is called the ‘digital divide’.
In Gloucestershire, it is estimated that between 30,000 and 40,000 (6-8%) adults in the county are effectively offline and a further 80,000 - 100,000 adults are online but are likely to be missing the full benefits of the internet.[i]
There are four main reasons why someone might be digitally excluded:
- It's not for me - 3.88M of the adult population are non-users fitting this profile (3 in 5 people)
- I lack support - 1.62M of the adult population are non-users fitting this profile (1 in 4 people)
- It's too complicated - 1.41M of the adult population are non-users fitting this profile (1 in 5 people)
- It's too expensive - 943K of the adult population are non-users fitting this profile (1 in 7 people)
Digital Divides Gloucestershire is a collaboration between Barnwood Trust, Gloucestershire VCS Alliance, Forest Voluntary Action Forum, Age UK Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire County Council working to see a more joined-up, evidence-based approach to tackling digital inequity. The group have been mapping Gloucestershire’s communities to reveal digital divides and find out who is missing out or getting left behind in the digital revolution. The group have identified areas at high risk for digital exclusion throughout the county, shown in the map below:
In addition to particular geographical areas in the county being at higher risk of digital exclusion, specific groups of people are disproportionately disadvantaged by the increasing turn to digital. These groups include disabled people, older people, those on low incomes, people with mental health challenges and those living in rural areas where internet connectivity is poor.[ii]
The Digital Divides group have produced a short film to demonstrate the impact that the digital divide has had on different parts of the county.
High risk areas for digital exclusion exist in every district:[ii]
- Forest of Dean: Cinderford, Newnham, Blakeney
- Gloucester: The centre, Westgate, Matson/Robinswood
- Stroud: Stroud town, Minchinhampton, Amberley
- Tewkesbury: Shurdington, Badgeworth
- Cheltenham: Pockets in Hesters Way, Arle, Oakley
- Cotswold: Moreton, Stow and Cirencester central
References
[i] Citizens Online (2022) Digital Exclusion Risk Mapping Report https://static1.squarespace.com/static/617abf9b742ed51f29193232/t/62443b42ccb53108a1cc2792/1648638801092/Data+Mapping+Gloucestershire+Digital+Divides.pdf [accessed on 29/11/2022]
[ii] Digital Divides (2022) Working towards Digital Equity in Gloucestershire (Digital Divides): (available from https://static1.squarespace.com/static/617abf9b742ed51f29193232/t/62443af43d9fc81d2d9a14e4/1648638711164/Digital+Divides+Report.pdf) [accessed on 01/10/2022]
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