New research reveals cost pressures, technology anxiety and lack of support are preventing Aussies from getting online, with more than half feeling uncomfortable keeping up with changes.
In fact, there’s growing concerns surrounding technological advancements, with one third worried about AI’s long-term impact and one in five struggling to stay safe online.
To help Australians build confidence and adapt to the digital landscape, Good Things Australia is encouraging those in need to participate in one of hundreds of free digital skills events during this year’s Get Online Week (14-20 October)
As the digital world evolves rapidly, issues such as cost pressures, technology anxiety, lack of support, and online safety concerns are preventing people from utilising the internet and technology, with new research revealing more than half (59%) of Australians feel uncomfortable keeping up with technological advancements.
Good Things Australia’s new report ‘Australian Attitudes to Getting Online 2024’, highlights growing concern about the digital divide. One in five (19%) Australians say they struggle to stay safe online, and over half (52%) are worried that scams are becoming increasingly difficult to detect. Additionally, a third (33%) are concerned about the long-term impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on their daily lives.
Furthermore, the new research also highlights cost pressures as another key barrier to digital inclusion, with half (49%) of Australians’ ability to get online being impacted by cost-of-living. Additionally, 14% of Australians are struggling to pay their internet or phone bills, and one in five (18%) must choose between paying for internet access and other essentials like food and housing. For these Australians, access to the internet is not just a convenience but a necessity.
To tackle these challenges head on and help people build the skills needed to navigate an increasingly digital society with confidence, community-led initiative Get Online Week 2024 (14-20 October) is providing vital support through hundreds of free digital skills events across the country.
With hundreds of Get Online Week events happening nationwide, Australians of all ages can boost their digital skills in a welcoming environment, focusing on practical tasks like booking healthcare appointments, paying bills, using government services, and staying connected with loved ones. For more information or to find an event, visit https://goodthingsaustralia.org/get-online-week/ or call 1300 795 897.
From our Sponsors
Justine Rowe, Chief Sustainability Officer, Telstra:
“Telstra is excited to continue as the Principal Supporting Partner for this leading digital inclusion campaign, which every year supports tens of thousands of Australians to get online. The Australian Digital Inclusion Index tells us that more than 2.5 million Australians are highly digitally excluded and missing out on the social and economic benefits that come with being online. This initiative is another way we’re helping to close the digital divide and support building a connected future where everyone can thrive.”
Richard Fennell, CEO, Bendigo & Adelaide Bank:
“Bendigo Bank is proud to be involved in Get Online Week for the second year running. At Bendigo Bank we understand the importance of staying connected with your community and we want to ensure our customers stay safe online, no matter their age, or where they are from. It’s really important for us to bring everyone on this digital journey with us. The more people we can educate and support to build digital confidence, the better – being part of Get Online Week helps us do just that.”
Alan, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT client
“I just wanted to share how invaluable technology is for me to work around my sense loss. It takes commitment but is enjoyable too. I always say that the biggest impairment to inclusion is what you believe you can do. And yes I love my phone!”
About Get Online Week 2024
Get Online Week 2024 will be held nationwide from 14 – 20 October. Get Online Week is organised by Good Things Australia, who mobilise and support local event holders with grant funding and critical learning resources. The week is supported by Telstra, Principal Supporting Partner; Bendigo Bank, Principal Financial Inclusion Partner; Be Connected, Community Grants Partner; and Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, Accessibility Partner. Learn more about Get Online Week: https://goodthingsaustralia.org/get-online-week
About Good Things Australia
Good Things Australia are future-focused digital inclusion leaders, advocating, partnering, educating and innovating to ensure no one is left behind in the digital world. https://goodthingsaustralia.org
About the Research & Citations
The ‘Australian Attitudes to Getting Online 2024’ research by Good Things Australia was carried out on a national representative sample of 2,006 Australians aged 18 and over in September 2024. Methodology: The data sample was weighted against ABS data for age, gender and location using an online survey that is independently conducted and verified by PureProfile.
For media enquiries about this report or Get Online Week, contact Linda Berrigan, Good Things on 0478 119 066.