Many people in Wales lack confidence to use Internet

According to a recent report there are hundreds of thousands of people in Wales that do not have the confidence to use the Internet, and may risk missing out both financially and socially.

For many people these days the thought of being without broadband and internet access is a horrifying one, as so many of us have become totally reliant on the internet for everything from work and entertainment to shopping, finances, and more.

However, there are many people that still do not use the internet, many of whom simply do not have the confidence to use it.

A recent report has suggested that there are nine hundred thousand people in Wales who lack the confidence and the skills to use the Internet. Officials are concerned that these people could be missing out financially and socially, and it is thought that there are certain groups that are affected more than others, including the elderly, disabled people, and the unemployed.

A consultation, then Digital Inclusion Framework, is to begin this week to try and get the views of the public with regards to how internet access can be improved for these groups. The consultation will run for three months according to reports.

Figures show that those who were not online missed out on over five hundred pounds worth of savings a year compared to those that were online. Data also showed that those with adequate IT skills were able to earn significantly more than those with little in the way of IT skills and confidence.

The Digital Inclusion Framework said: “Only a concerted effort by the private, third and public sectors can achieve and sustain digital inclusion and participation of excluded citizens.”

Source – BBC