Reasons not to use the Internet
But what are the reasons for not using the Internet? After all, it's almost impossible to avoid the Internet these days. The D21 study also investigated this and asked offliners more closely.
The most important reason is quickly found: More than eight out of ten offliners said they were simply not interested in the Internet. Interestingly, this applies somewhat more frequently to men than to women. The reasons "It's too complicated for me" (37 percent) and "I don't see any benefit in it" (34 percent) follow at a large distance. For just over a quarter of offliners, traditional media are also sufficient, while one in five said that children, acquaintances or friends do everything they need to do on the Internet.
Security and data protection concerns also play a role, but tend to account for a small proportion of the reasons against the Internet.
How can offliners be inspired to use the Internet?
At least as important as finding the reasons for abstinence from the Internet is the question of how to convince offliners to use the Internet in the future.
The fact is that almost one-fifth of all off-liners only understand the benefits of the Internet for themselves when they see it being used in a specific case. This is because many people who do not use the Internet are not even aware of the wide range of possible applications and the potential simplifications they could bring. One approach is therefore to show them practical applications of how the Internet can help them in their daily lives.
It is also important to reduce people's fear of technology. Twelve percent of respondents said they would like someone to show them exactly how the Internet works, while eleven percent said they would use the Internet if it were easier to use. Some people are also confused by the technical terms and functions (9 percent). One solution here would be, for example, computer courses for seniors or other corresponding offers, e.g., in retirement homes and other facilities.
Only five percent would like information on how they can better protect their data - although this only accounts for a small proportion, this reason is still one of the top 5 motivators for use. Again, this could be countered with appropriate educational offerings and ways to protect data could be taught.
Conclusion: Access to the Internet is becoming increasingly important
Even though Internet use in Germany continues to rise, we should not forget those people who do not have easy access to the Internet. Because the more the Internet permeates our society, the more important "being online" also becomes for participation in our society. That's why studies like the D21 Digital Index are important, because they look for reasons and identify concrete solutions. So that in the future no one has to be unintentionally off-line and can use the Internet in an active and informed way.
Fit on the Net
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