A third in Plymouth feel left behind by digital revolution

A third of people in Plymouth (31%)1 do not feel digitally confident according to research by Post Office Broadband. This is significantly higher than the national average, with one in five (20%) stating they don’t feel confident.

Two thirds (66%) of the local population would like support to improve their tech skills. As a result, Post Office Broadband is teaming up with Google Digital Garage to help those in need by running a free workshop on the 20th July in Plymstock Library. The drop in sessions will cover a variety of topics, helping people get started online and building their confidence, sessions on staying safe, and attendees can also bring along devices for hands on support to get the most from phones, laptops and other devices.

Plymouth residents particularly struggle when using newer digital devices, with 61% lacking confidence with smart music device, over half (56%) with smart watches and 67% with smart home devices. Some people also struggle with everyday devices, such as apps (28%), tablets (19%) and smartphones (22%). Looking across the whole of the UK, even 16% of 18-24 year olds lack assurance with technology – 22% are not confident with smart TVs, 33% with a smart watch, and 27% with a smart music device.

Furthermore, the rate at which technology develops is a cause for concern for many. Over a third in Plymouth (37%) admit to being uncomfortable with the pace at which everyday technology is changing.

Crisis of confidence
Those who don’t feel assured using technology attribute it to a knowledge gap. Nearly half (47%) in Plymouth say they’ve never been taught how to use their devices, 42% don’t fully understand the features on them, and 29% don’t know how to set them up. Furthermore, 21% think their devices are too complicated, while 15% worry about the consequences of doing something wrong.

Supporting certain areas

There are a range of areas which people in Plymouth would like further support, including:

• Understanding how to get the most out of everyday smart devices (35%)
• Downloading and understanding apps (22%)
• Using shortcuts on smart devices (21%)

Two thirds (66%) of those who’d like support would feel more confident if they receive it.

Meredith Sharples, Director, Post Office Broadband comments: “Advancements in technology have enhanced our lives in so many ways, yet it’s likely many of us will have found the pace of all this change daunting at one time or another. Our research shows Plymouth is one of the least confident cities when using digital devices and services.

“Post Office Broadband has partnered with Google’s Digital Garage programme to give people in Plymouth a comfortable space to ask any questions and learn how they can get the most from the internet and their internet enabled devices.”

Ronan Harris, Google UK & Ireland Managing Director, said: “In the digital age, a basic understanding of how the online world works is useful and when it comes to business, it’s essential. We are delighted to partner with the Post Office and ensure everyone has access to free digital skills workshops and 1:1 coaching. We hope you'll pop in and get the skills you need to you need to grow your confidence, career or business.”

The Post Office Broadband and Google Digital Garage Digital Drop-In will be held at Plymstock Library on Friday 20th July between 10am and 1pm. For more information or to register your interest in attending, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/post-office-digital-drop-in-workshop-plym... or call 0800 068 1791.