the
barriers to digital inclusion are as follows:

 access - not everyone has the ability
to connect to the internet and go online

• skills - not everyone has the ability
  to use the internet and online services
• confidence - some people fear online crime,
  lack trust or don’t know where to start online
• motivation - not everyone sees why using
  the internet could be relevant and helpful

Increasing digital inclusion could
first be possible after improving access, skills and confidence. Individuals
who do not overcome these barriers are probably not interested in the content,
design, and capability of the digital services provided. Therefore, the same
report states further barriers as follows:

• design - not all digital services and
  products are accessible and easy to use
• awareness - not everyone is aware of
  digital services and products available to them
• staff capability and capacity - not all health and care staff
  have the skills and knowledge to recommend digital services and products
  to patients and service users

A
study conducted by the Good Things Foundation regarding understanding the
motivation of non-users of the internet states four main reasons:

a.       It is
not for me: People who think so do not see the personal
benefit in being online. There is no 
real need or purpose to go online. These kinds of users cannot be sure
how internet can add value to their current situation.

b.      There
is no support available : People in this group think that
they do not have the right support, which might include access to the support
they feel they need or the actual devices required.

c.       It is
too complicated: People in this group lack the basic digital
skills and an understanding of how the internet works. This lack of information
could include critical skills to judge digital content to protect themselves
when using the internet.

d.      It is
too expensive: This barrier is related to the affordability
of devices as well as connection costs for running these devices.

Digital Inclusion versus
to Digital Exclusion

Digital inclusion is about
ensuring that digital technologies are available to everyone. It is also referred as the ability to access and use
information and communication technologies.The term refers to the necessary
activities to ensure all individuals’ and communities’ access to and use
information and communication technologies (ICTs). Five main elements are
included in this term:

1.      
Affordable
and robust internet service

2.      
Devices
that enable internet access in line with the user’s needs

3.      
Access to
digital literacy training

4.      
Technical
support

5.      
Applications
and online content to enhance self-sufficiency, participation, and collaboration.

Digital
exclusion, on the other hand, refers to the lack of technology resources and
access or the inability to make informed or empowered choices concerning the
use or non-use of ICT-based practices.

There are important benefits of digital inclusion not only for the person but
also for the community as a whole. A digitally inclusive community is of
importance for the development of economy and workforce, civic participation,
education, health, and safety. Some benefits of digital inclusion could be
listed as improved education and employment outcomes, improved health and
well-being outcomes (people digitally included have access to more improved
health information and services), and access to a wider range of products and
services at lower prices.

Digital inclusion contributes to better social
outcomes as it helps people to increase their self-confidence, self-efficacy,
and resilience. When digital inclusion recognizes and reflects individual
needs, there is a higher probability that it can achieve outcomes that are
relevant to their lives. On the other hand, there is a powerful link between
digital exclusion and various aspects of social exclusion. While digital
inclusion helps older adults to have the necessary skills and motivation and enhance
their life, digital exclusion could cause social exclusion as well as social
and economic problems.

The Recommendations to Enhance Digital
Inclusion:

·        
Help people see personal relevance of
internet in their lives.

·        
Allow them to determine what they want
to know.

·        
Provide intensive, tailored support,
and an open-ended time commitment for older adults who need more help and
guidance.

·        
Use a nudge approach: raise awareness,
acknowledge the fear factor, help them to see that they are not breaking
anything while using it.

·        
Stimulate participation among
disengaged groups in general learning activities.

·        
Show, don’t do, and preferably use
only one device (for example a tablet) to teach.