There is definitely a 'core' section of the population who think that, for them, the internet is not relevant. Much is being done 'on the ground' to try and alter this mindset - much of it by not-for-profit organisations.
I think it is important not to lose sight of the fact that people have a choice. If they feel that the internet is not relevant to them, then so be it. The case out there for using the internet is a strong one: access to services, stay in touch, e-learning opportunities etc. but not everyone is convinced. So be it (choice, choice, choice), however it tends to be the less well off people living in relative poverty in the UK that don't have access to the internet - the very same people that tend to require greater access to public services that are increasingly only available online ... erm! An acquaintance of mine wasn't convinced of the power of the internet and they didn't have a computer at home (a relatively sane 20 something in case you're wondering). I told them they could save 10% on their car insurance by paying online. Kerrr-ching - the dollar bills flashed before their eyes and now they constantly send me email updates on where I can save a few pounds by shopping around on the net. It's not rocket science. If people see benefit from being online, then they will find a way. Access is no longer an issue in the UK - but perceived access is. It's there, but do people know about? Do they feel comfortable about using it? The barriers are many. Anyway, I welcome this report for BT, although I'm not sure what it really tells us. If we had have asked the authors, back in 1975 (a great year to be born by the way), to predict the scene in 2000 what would they have said. A computer the size of a postage stamp - pah! Access to one trillion zillion pages of information whilst you travel on a train - yeah right! Silver surfers - oh my goodness! Lots will change over the next 20-odd years, and whilst digital divides will be redefined and re-measured, I think it's safe to assume that technology will become more of an integral part of everyday life. Let's show people what it can achieve and lets inspire them to use it for the benefit of themselves, their communities and the environment. This is what we are trying to do today and we're getting there. As for 2025 - can anyone who knows please forward me this weeks winning lottery numbers. Cheers Simon Simon Hills SustainIT 01733 312286 [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.sustainit.org read our latest newsletter online now at http://www.sustainit.org/sustainit-newsletter/newsletter.html -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Alastair Gregor Sent: 08 December 2004 19:23 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [DDN] UK: Millions to miss out on the net I think in response to this and having lived in the UK for 17 years. There is a definite resistance to change in the UK, tradition is upheld at every possible chance and I believe that many do not want to be 'Bothered' with it. It is our belief as users that everyone ought to have a computer and be hook up into this wonderful source of information, that is not the feeling everyone shares. Another aspect of the UK is the vast divide in wealth. It is a very expensive place to live, most of what we pay for here in dollars is the same price in Sterling and they don't have the disposable income for luxuries as they call it. I have heard that many times, a computer is a luxury and "Why do I need a computer, I have a telly" (a TV). The majority of the population is older and I think that also has much to do with the resistance to change. A few thoughts. Alastair Gregor GrowBusters(tm) GrowBusters Consulting, Inc. PO Box 38 Whistler, BC V0N 1B0 Canada. Office 1-604-894-1930 Fax 1-604-894-1931 Broadband Digital Voice 1-604-628-8797 From: Andy Carvin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: The Digital Divide Network discussion group<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [DDN] UK: Millions to miss out on the net Date: Wed, 08 Dec 2004 10:42:14 -0500 Hi everyone... UK telecom company BT has just come out with a startling report on the state of the digital divide and the lack of progress being made... I haven't found the actual study yet - does anyone have the URL? -ac Millions to miss out on the net Those without access could miss out on key services By 2025, 40% of the UK's population will still be without internet access at home, says a study. Around 23 million Britons will miss out on a wide range of essential services such as education and medical information, predicts the report by telecoms giant BT. It compares to 27 million, or 50%, of the UK, who are not currently online. The idea that the digital divide will evaporate with time is "wishful thinking", the report concludes. The study calls on the government and telecoms industry to come up with new ways to lure those that have been bypassed by the digital revolution. Although the percentage of Britons without home access will have fallen slightly, those that remain digital refuseniks will miss out on more, the report suggests. As more and more everyday tasks move online and offline services become less comprehensive, the divide will become more obvious and more burdensome for those that have not got net access, it predicts. <snip> http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4076717.stm -- ----------------------------------- Andy Carvin Program Director EDC Center for Media & Community acarvin @ edc . org http://www.digitaldividenetwork.org Blog: http://www.andycarvin.com ----------------------------------- _______________________________________________ DIGITALDIVIDE mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mailman.edc.org/mailman/listinfo/digitaldivide To unsubscribe, send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the body of the message. _______________________________________________ DIGITALDIVIDE mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mailman.edc.org/mailman/listinfo/digitaldivide To unsubscribe, send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the body of the message. _______________________________________________ DIGITALDIVIDE mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mailman.edc.org/mailman/listinfo/digitaldivide To unsubscribe, send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the body of the message.
