BCS: Just 1 in 5 of UK are IT savvy

Web hosting users might have to start promoting the use of technology more after research has revealed just one in five of the UK population are IT savvy.

The study, published by the British Computer Society (BCS), also revealed that nearly a quarter (23 per cent) believe IT has not improved their lives.

A spokesperson for the BCS said that for some the reason they are not happy using technology boils down to accessibility. They simply cannot get hold of the right information, whether offline or online, she explained.

Awareness is also an issue, she commented, as people have the right tools but lack the knowledge about where to find what they want. Knowledge is also a problem as some simply do not know how to use the technology, the spokesperson stated.

"This issue goes beyond access. Even if people are able to access the internet for example, if they do not know how to keep their personal data safe, and are unaware of the resources available to them, then they may still fail to get the most from the experience," they added.

Meanwhile, a gender divide still exists, the research indicated, with technologically adept people more likely to be male, aged between 18 and 44, in full-time employment and educated to degree level or above.

The study formed part of a campaign that included a new website, savvycitizens.bcs.org. It is designed to help people by providing useful information and advice.

In a related development, National Institute of Adult Continuing Education recently released its Annual Survey of Digital Participation, which was carried out by Ofcom. It found that almost a third (32 per cent) of adults are unable to access a computer, while 37 per cent cannot regularly go on the internet.

Perhaps if web hosting users were able to support those without technological skills or knowledge, they would get more hits for their own websites.

Written by Freddie Simmonds.