Majority of Germans want greater participation in digital life

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Video telephony, online shopping, home office : Germans no longer want to do without the benefits of digitalization. For 90 percent of the population, digital technologies have become indispensable. This is a key result of a study commissioned by the "Digital for All" initiative on the occasion of the second nationwide Digital Day on June 18, 2021. More than 1,000 people in Germany aged 16 and over were surveyed.

At the same time, a majority (65 percent) see the country as digitally divided and fear that not everyone will benefit equally from technological progress. This is evident, among other things, in the fact that more than half of those surveyed (53 percent) would like to participate more in digital life, but are not familiar enough with the relevant technologies. A quarter (24 percent) often do not dare to use devices such as smartphones or computers - for fear of doing something wrong.

The respondents therefore consider measures that give everyone access to the digital world and help them find their way around it to be important. These include, above all, better availability of broadband internet (81 percent) and the promotion of media and information literacy in all age groups (74 percent). In addition, 66 percent expect digital offerings to be designed to be barrier-free, for example through easy operation and explanations in simple language. More than half (53 percent) are in favor of comprehensive support, for example in the form of companions who provide assistance with digital topics.

"A clear majority of people in Germany are open to digital technologies - well into old age. But not everyone can benefit equally from progress. They want more digital participation through training, support persons and learning spaces. It is our task as a society to enable all people to use new technologies independently and confidently," said Bitkom President Achim Berg when presenting the study.

Petra Bentkämper, President of the German Rural Women's Association, explained: israel gambling data "During the pandemic, volunteers managed to use digital tools for themselves and their commitment. We will continue to support this in the future. At the same time, we have also seen that many older people have found it difficult to keep up with these changes. In order to prevent further digital divides, we must enable everyone to participate competently in digitalization."

Uwe Brandl, first vice president of the German Association of Towns and Municipalities, said on behalf of the Federal Association of Municipal Associations: “Cities and municipalities are under extreme pressure during the pandemic. Offices and authorities have proven their ability to act and have maintained their operations using digital technologies. Now it is important to fully exploit the potential of digitalization. Digital and efficient municipalities can make life easier for citizens as well as companies and craft businesses - with fast processes and intuitive contact with authorities via app or online.

It is crucial that everyone benefits from them. Digital services are an essential building block for equal living conditions. To achieve this, we need offers that are highly user-friendly as well as employees with high levels of digital skills. We expect support from the federal and state governments in the necessary training and further education offers. As an association of cities and municipalities, we are calling for the establishment of a 'digitalization competence center' for municipalities that organizes training offers, advises municipalities and supports them in their implementation projects. This is an investment in the future of our country."