Over the past decade, and particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, technology and digitisation have become central to our lives. What was once a luxury is now a necessity: access to technology and digital skills has become essential. But for many adults living in poverty, the digital divide is not just a barrier; it is an obstacle that has grown. This divide affects many aspects of life, including access to essential services, education, and job opportunities. While some European countries experience this more acutely, it is a challenge across the continent. In this blog post, we will look into how digitisation has impacted those from challenging socioeconomic backgrounds and what still needs to be done to correct that.

Understanding the Digital Divide

The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have easy access to digital technologies and those who do not. This divide can be influenced by various factors, including socioeconomic status, geographical location, and educational background. Practically, this can mean limited or no access to computers, the internet, or the skills needed to navigate digitally effectively. In some cases, the issue may be a lack of digital infrastructure, while in others, individuals may have the necessary hardware but lack the skills or interest required to use digital tools and services.

The Importance of Digital Literacy

Digital literacy is not just about being able to use a computer or smartphone; it rather is about having the skills to navigate online, understand digital content, and use digital tools to solve problems. So digital literacy involves critical thinking, protecting one’s personal data, and evaluating online information.

Why is this important? For one, it impacts how individuals access essential services. More and more government services, healthcare resources, and community support programmes are moving online. Without digital literacy, people struggle to access these services, which can be a significant barrier.

Moreover, digital literacy influences one’s ability to engage in continuing education. Many courses and resources are now available exclusively online, offering opportunities for personal growth and career advancement. Without digital skills, people may miss out on these chances to learn for free.

Finally, let’s not forget employment. Many job applications and recruitment processes are conducted online. Without digital skills, individuals may miss out on job opportunities or find it difficult to complete online applications. Even when application processes are still conducted offline, online applications might be preferred.

What has been done yet?

Thankfully, several adult education programmes across Europe have successfully integrated digital literacy into their curricula. 

• Online Learning Platforms: Platforms like EUacademy and EPALE have been created to offer free online resources, materials and courses designed to improve digital literacy. These offers are continuously improved in order to best meeting the needs of adult learners, and helping them build confidence in using digital tools.
• On-site Projects: Take, for example, the Media Literacy in Palestine project. Started in 2015, this ongoing programme aims to boost media literacy in Palestine (West Bank and Gaza). Run by the Finnish Lifelong Learning Foundation, the project supports media literacy development by producing teaching materials and promoting the right to information. Finnish media professionals and students volunteer as trainers, and the programme has trained media professionals, NGO workers, and active citizens in various aspects of digital and media literacy.
• Research: Highlighting the profound impact poverty can have on educational pursuits, studies have shown that individuals living in poverty often face significant barriers to education, which can deter them from pursuing learning opportunities. However, evidence also suggests that education can be a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. For instance, Paul C. Gorski outlines effective strategies for supporting disadvantaged students and highlights how education can provide pathways out of poverty. Similarly, Colin Power and Rupert Maclean underscore the role of lifelong learning in improving economic conditions and achieving sustainable development. Beyond those, studies collectively affirm that while poverty presents substantial challenges, education remains a crucial lever for peoples’ empowerment and structural change.
• Policy: The European Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles promotes a human-centric, secure, and sustainable digital transformation in Europe. It commits the EU and its Member States to ensure that technology benefits everyone, supports universal access to digital connectivity and education, empowers informed online choices, fosters diverse and multilingual online environments. The EU has committed to a €250 billion boost to digitalisation from the NextGenerationEU fund, aiming for 80% of the EU population to have basic digital skills by 2030. Additionally, €43 billion of policy-driven investment will support the Chips Act until 2030, reinforcing the commitment to advancing digital infrastructure and skills. This policy framework guides the EU’s digital strategy and seeks to narrow the digital gap.

Despite knowing all of that and countless efforts, we still face significant challenges:

• Access to Technology: Ensuring that people have access to computers and reliable internet is fundamental. It is crucial because it simply determines their ability to engage with digital services and educational opportunities in the first place. Without access, all the digital skills in the world will not matter.
• Tailoring Programmes: Digital literacy programmes need to continue to adapt to the specific needs of different adult learning communities. This means considering factors like language, educational backgrounds, and previous exposure to technology.
• Ongoing Support: Digital literacy is not a one-time skill you master once and be set for life. It is no riding a bike. It rather requires continuous practice and support. Providing ongoing learning opportunities and technical support helps individuals maintain and enhance their skills.

The Road Ahead

Addressing the intersection of digital literacy and poverty is not just a matter of providing technology; it is about the opportunity to equally participate in our society as it develops. As we have seen, digital literacy is crucial for accessing essential services, pursuing education, and securing employment - key factors in overcoming poverty. While significant progress has been made through various programmes and policies, ongoing challenges remain. Access to technology must be guaranteed, programmes tailored to diverse needs, and continuous support provided to ensure skills are maintained and enhanced.

By investing in digital literacy initiatives, we are not merely offering tech training; we are empowering individuals to reshape their futures and escape the cycle of poverty. This empowerment through learning has the potential to bridge gaps, reduce inequalities, and foster a more inclusive society. However, we must stay committed to expanding these efforts and ensuring that every person, regardless of their socioeconomic background, has the opportunity to thrive in an increasingly digital world.