Those most in need of connectivity may struggle the most with access, say Tasmania researchers
The Covid-19 pandemic has led to concerns about poor internet connectivity and the risk of “digital exclusion”, according to a report by the University of Tasmania.
The study involved 1,258 participants across Tasmania and was conducted by the university’s institute for social change in Hobart. It asked people to rate the importance of 13 common internet-based services for maintaining a sense of wellbeing during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Videoconferencing, specialised work and study platforms and connecting with family and friends through private social media apps were the most highly ranked in importance.
Social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook were used by 70 per cent of participants but were given a below-average rating for their contribution to wellbeing.
“One of the most significant changes imposed by the pandemic, especially in its earliest weeks, was the requirement to stay at home unless essential to leave, and to work and study from home if possible,” the UTAS study says.
“Respondents were, broadly, much less affected by the stay-at-home restrictions than might have been anticipated. Only around 7 per cent of respondents indicated their internet use was affected by having more household responsibilities, or that they lacked the opportunity to use the internet when and how they liked.”
However, more than 40 per cent said the pandemic had made internet connectivity more difficult. The study found that 23 per cent used mobile phones to connect to the internet, and many were unemployed and unable to afford fixed-line internet.
“Given that training for employability, the process of seeking work, and most other elements of managing in this situation require the internet, this finding helps identify one of the critical aspects of digital exclusion and that those most in need of connectivity may struggle the most with its availability,” the study says.
“In coming years, we can expect to see the internet play even more of a role in the social and economic life of Tasmania. While it is helpful to see that younger respondents are more likely to report skills and confidence in internet use, they are by no means universally competent, nor are the skills necessarily those needed for the kinds of applications which might develop in future.”