Digital poverty and AI

For children and families to equitably realise the benefits of AI there must be significant investment in resolving digital poverty.

What is digital poverty?

Digital poverty refers to the lack of access to digital technologies and the internet, often due to inadequate devices or connectivity. In the UK, digital poverty affects many children and families, limiting their educational opportunities and access to online services. This situation is experienced through several ways, including [1]:

1. Inadequate Devices: Many households do not have access to modern and sufficient devices such as laptops, tablets, or smartphones, which are essential for participating in the digital world.

2. Poor Connectivity: Even if devices are available, poor internet connectivity can hinder effective use of digital technologies. This includes slow internet speeds or lack of stable connections.

3. Limited Digital Skills: A lack of digital literacy and skills can prevent individuals from effectively using available technology.

4. Financial Constraints: The cost of devices, internet services, and necessary digital tools can be prohibitive for low-income families.

These factors collectively contribute to digital poverty, creating barriers to accessing education, employment opportunities, and essential services, thereby perpetuating social and economic inequalities.

Who is affected by digital poverty?

It is estimated that 13-19 million people in the UK population aged 16+ (24-34%) are in digital poverty. There are key demographic and socio-economic characteristics associated with digital poverty [1]:

• Socio-economic groups: Digital poverty disproportionately affects people from low socio-economic backgrounds. People in the lowest socio-economic group are twice as likely to be in digital poverty compared to those in the highest socio-economic group.

• Gender: Women are more likely to be in digital poverty than men on average. 36% of women are estimated to be deprived on at least one dimension of digital poverty relative to 32% of men.

• Unemployed and retired people are about twice as likely to be in digital poverty compared to employed individuals. 47% and 55% of unemployed and retired individuals are in digital poverty compared to 24% of the employed.

• Geographical Areas: People in rural areas face higher risks of digital deprivation due to connectivity issues. There are also regional disparities, for example, the East Midlands and London have the highest rates of digital poverty in England, while Northern Ireland has the highest rates across the UK nations.

Source: Delloite / Digital Poverty Alliance

What is the impact of digital poverty on children and families?

Digital poverty is an equalities issue. People that experience digital poverty are impacted in a range of ways, including:

• Digital Skills and confidence: 19-22% lack essential digital skills needed for daily life and work. 10% fail to get online regularly due to barriers like lack of confidence or safe spaces.

• Employment: Limited access to online job markets and digital skills reduces employment opportunities.

• Education: Digital poverty often correlates with lower educational outcomes. This can result in a lack of awareness about AI and its potential benefits, further widening the gap between those who can and cannot leverage AI technologies

• Health: Poor digital access affects health literacy and access to telemedicine, leading to worse health outcomes.

• Financial Inclusion: Those in digital poverty struggle with managing finances online, missing out on online deals and financial tools.

• Social Exclusion: People experiencing digital poverty may also face social exclusion, which can limit their opportunities.

Addressing digital poverty is an equalities issue. Without significant investment in digital infrastructure and affordable technology, vulnerable children will continue to face barriers, perpetuating existing inequalities.

What is the impact of digital poverty on social workers?

Digital poverty also affects local authority social workers and the service they can provide to children and families, including (but not limited to):

• Limited access to technology: Social workers in areas with high digital poverty may struggle with inadequate access to necessary technology and reliable internet. This can hinder their ability to efficiently manage caseloads, access digital records, and communicate with children and families, colleagues, and other professionals.

• Increased workload: Without proper digital tools, social workers often must rely on more time-consuming methods and 'workarounds', often compensating for poorly designed systems and software. This increases their workload and reduces the time with children and families.

• Communication barriers: Effective communication is crucial in social work. Digital poverty can limit the ability of social workers to leverage technology to help manage workload and maintain regular contact with families and other professionals.

• Training and professional development: Social workers in digitally poor areas may have fewer opportunities for online training and professional development. This can limit their ability to stay updated with the latest practices and technologies in social care.

• Data management and reporting: Efficient data management is essential for tracking cases and reporting outcomes. Digital poverty can lead to challenges collecting, analysing and reporting information, which can affect the quality of data insights and targeted support.

Addressing digital poverty is essential to support social workers in delivering efficient and effective services.

How will digital poverty impact the adoption of AI in children's social care?

Digital poverty can significantly hinder the adoption of AI in children's social care in several ways. Lack of access to the necessary devices and reliable internet connections will make it difficult to use AI-powered tools and services designed to support social care. Both social workers and families may lack the digital skills needed to effectively use AI technologies. Without proper training and confidence in using digital tools, the potential benefits of AI cannot be shared equitably.

The cost of technology and internet services can be prohibitive for families and social care organizations operating in areas of digital poverty. This economic barrier limits their ability to invest in the infrastructure needed to access and utilize AI tools. This exclusion can perpetuate a cycle where the benefits of AI are only accessible to those already digitally included.

There are many benefits to adopting AI. AI can enhance service delivery by reducing barriers to accessing important information and providing more personalized interventions. However, in digitally poor areas, the lack of access to these technologies could result in a gap in service quality and effectiveness.

What needs to happen to address digital poverty?

Addressing digital poverty is crucial to ensure that the benefits of AI are equitably shared and to avoid already disadvantaged groups from missing out. Addressing digital poverty includes investing in digital infrastructure, providing affordable access to technology, and offering training to enhance digital literacy.

Here are some key strategies:

1. Increase Connectivity: Expanding internet infrastructure, especially in rural and underserved areas, is crucial. This can involve public and private sector partnerships to build and maintain internet connectivity.

2. Affordable Access: Making internet services and digital devices more affordable is essential. Subsidies, low-cost plans, and community programs can help reduce the financial barriers to digital access.

3. Digital Literacy Programmes: Providing education and training to improve digital skills is vital. This includes offering courses on basic computer skills, internet navigation, and the use of digital tools and applications. Digital literacy programmes should also include online and AI safety awareness.

4. Community Support: community centers with free internet access and digital resources can help bridge the gap. These centers can also offer support and training to those who need it.

5. Inclusive Policies: Governments and organisations should develop policies that promote digital inclusion. This includes ensuring that digital services are accessible to people with disabilities and those from marginalized communities.

6. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between governments, tech companies, and non-profits can drive initiatives to reduce digital poverty. Programs like Google's "Google for Education" and Microsoft's "Digital Skills for Youth" are examples of such efforts.

7. Innovative Solutions: Leveraging innovative technologies and approaches, such as mobile internet solutions and community Wi-Fi projects, can provide flexible and scalable ways to improve digital access.

By implementing these strategies, we can work towards a more digitally inclusive society where everyone can benefit from technological advancements.

Addressing digital poverty is crucial to ensure that AI benefits are distributed equitably and do not widen existing inequalities. This involves improving digital infrastructure, making technology affordable, and enhancing digital literacy. Investment in addressing digital poverty is unavoidable and must keep pace with emerging technologies. By bridging the digital divide, governments can foster inclusive growth and empower all citizens to benefit from technological advancements.

References:

[1] Digital Poverty in the UK: A socio-economic assessment of the implications of digital poverty in the UK, Delloite/Digital Poverty Alliance.