Newbie but oldie
It seems to be a running joke in our society that young people seem to be born tech-savvy while the older members of the community struggle to carry out the simplest digital tasks. But, even though the issue has been broken down into some lighthearted jokes, this hurdle has more serious effects than most of us realize.
Why Everyone Needs Access to the Digital World
There is no doubt that the digital world is huge, with near limitless potential. Every minute, days’ worth of new video content is uploaded to YouTube while social networks see hundreds of thousands of posts being published on all things from everyday life to current events and more. The digital world is now our #1 source of information, and a huge source of revenue for businesses and people who run their businesses solely or partially on the internet.
Most of us use the internet each and every day, whether we’re streaming videos, submitting assignments, researching, having fun, or even working from home. Because of that, the majority of society can no longer imagine life without the internet. In fact, if the internet were to be “unplugged”, our world as a whole would struggle to function. These days, just about everything relies on internet--including banking systems, emergency protocols, and even some forms of transportation.
With these things in mind, it’s easy to start realizing why it is so essential that we open up the doors for people of all generations to access the internet and all of the tools and resources that lie within it.
Who’s Not Not Online (and Why)?
Approximately 13% of Americans do not use the internet. Out of this group of non-internet-users, roughly 40% flat-out stated that they do not use the internet because it is either “too difficult” or they feel they are “too old to learn.” But, what are the effects of that?
The struggles of non-internet-users include:
- ●Being unable to access an ever-growing database of free knowledge, entertainment, and other resources.
- ●Being unable to access online bill pay, banking, and other essential everyday tools that could help them manage their finances better.
- ●Being unable to access a broader range of current events, and viewpoints, beyond what their local news channel or paper chooses to cover.
- ●Being unable to access social media platforms and other forms of communication (such as email) that can provide them with more means of communicating with family, friends, and other individuals.
With these missing benefits and more lacking in the lives of non-internet-users, and with society in a constant shift towards being more and more dependent on the world of internet and technology, there is a huge push to open up the digital world to the approximately 42 million individuals who do not currently have access to it.
Organizations are now doing so through the use of free internet and tech workshops set up at local libraries and school districts. By inviting people in for lessons on using computers and smart phones, more and more people are beginning to see the possibilities that the digital world has to offer.
These free workshops are ultimately helping millions gain access to the digital luxuries that others are enjoying each and every day.
Recent Comments
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Yes , we are all becoming more dependent on the internet. I don't like it because of the potential for the populace being subtly indoctrinated to it. However it is a great tool for education as long as ALL ideas are presented without censorship. Yes, that means even those with ideas that might be unpopular or different, like the flat earth theory ( HA HA HA) yea they're out there. stawhu (Scott)
Thank you for the post. I agree that it is an issue with the elderly. I wish my mother-in-law would embrace technology so that we could send her pictures, information and other helpful things. She refuses because she says she’s too old to learn. On the other hand my mom, barely ever puts her iPad down and is enjoying life to the fullest. Always researching the next trip she can take and playing games on her devices.
Kim
Lovely writings... great style