Recent research has unveiled a concerning reality for many families with children in the United Kingdom, as they lack the essential online skills and access to technology crucial for thriving in today's digital world.
The study, reported by The Guardian, reveals that a staggering 45% of UK households with children fall short of meeting the necessary digital threshold.
Factors such as low socioeconomic status, residing in deprived areas, and living outside London contribute significantly to this digital gap. Moreover, households with minority ethnic backgrounds and those with disabled parents are disproportionately affected.
Through focus groups, researchers from the University of Liverpool, Loughborough University, and the Good Things Foundation establish a "minimum digital living standard." This benchmark assesses households' digital capabilities and access to goods and services, shedding light on the severity of the digital divide.
Emma Stone, Director of Evidence and Engagement at the Good Things Foundation, emphasizes the importance of this benchmark, challenging the misconception that all families possess equal online proficiency.
Lead researcher Prof. Simeon Yates underscores the digital divide's significance, labeling it an "amplifier of other exclusions" in crucial sectors like health and education. The study surveyed over 1,500 UK households and identified poverty as a key predictor of falling below the benchmark, particularly concerning challenges in affording broadband and communication services.
UK Families Lacking in Online Skills, Cybersecurity
Addressing these issues necessitates a comprehensive approach, with the report urging public, voluntary, and private sector organizations to tackle digital barriers head-on. Alarmingly, 38% of households struggle with online skills, with many lacking functional or critical digital abilities, especially concerning children's online safety.
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Additionally, 27% of parent-led households lack the digital skills to shield their families from online threats. Additionally, 18.5% of households face shortages in equipment and services, exacerbating challenges in accessing education and essential services.
The latest findings come amid growing fears about rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology's potential dominance over humans, with concerns ranging from ethical decision-making to job displacement, previously reported by TechTimes.
SAP, a major tech company, announced job cuts while investing over $2 billion in AI, signaling a significant company transformation. Despite job losses, SAP plans to provide training for AI-related roles. Darren McKee, author of "Uncontrollable," warns of AI's potential to cause widespread harm, citing uncertainty in its capabilities and controllability.
ECB Downplays Rapid Tech Advancement Fears
However, some experts argue that fears about AI dominance are exaggerated. While acknowledging real risks, they emphasize the need for responsible AI development and usage to address potential threats like fraud and misinformation. They suggest mitigating current AI risks rather than dwelling on speculative doomsday scenarios.
The European Central Bank (ECB) revealed research indicating that rapid AI integration is creating jobs, especially for young and skilled workers. Analyzing 16 European nations, the ECB found increased employment in AI-exposed industries, particularly in highly skilled occupations, while low-and medium-skilled roles remained stable.
Despite concerns about wage reduction, the research suggests "neutral to slightly negative impacts," potentially improving over time. However, the full extent of AI's influence on employment, wages, and equality is still evolving as AI technologies advance.
