On the fourth German 'Digitaltag 2023', the digital association Bitkom published new survey results on the digital competence of German consumers. According to the study, which was conducted on behalf of the 'Digital for everybody' initiative, respondents rated their competence in dealing with digital content as 'satisfactory' on average, which corresponds to a school grade of three.
A total of 1,002 people aged 16 and over in Germany were asked about their digital competence. The results provide information about the status and challenges in the digital field and are intended to help drive digitization forward in all areas.
These are further details:
- One fifth of respondents rated their own digital competence with a grade of 'very good' and another fifth, however, failed according to their own assessment: 12 percent only gave themselves a 'poor' grade and 8 percent even an 'insufficient' one.
- The average self-assessment for handling digital content was a straight three.
- Younger consumers between the ages of 16 and 29 gave themselves the best school grade with an average of 2.5, while seniors aged 65 and over rated their digital knowledge and skills as only 'sufficient'. In the age group between 65 and 74, the average grade was 3.7, and 3.9 for those 75 and older.
Kimberly Klebolte, Managing Director of the 'Digital for everybody' initiative, commented: "People are open to digitization, but they often still lack the necessary knowledge and skills. The digital world is spinning faster and faster, and new technologies such as artificial intelligence are increasingly changing our everyday lives. That's why we're focusing on the topic of 'digital skills' this year, to advance social and political dialog as well as to make offers of support visible across the board."
Lisa Paus, Federal Minister for Family Affairs, said at the start of the Digitaltag: "Digital skills are becoming increasingly important, not only for everyone personally, but also for social cohesion and better opportunities for participation. On Digitaltag, touchpoints with digitalization will be created at numerous locations throughout Germany – low-threshold, free of charge and accessible to all. The day of action promotes an inclusive future in which people have the opportunity to move as safely and self-determinedly as possible in the digital space. I invite everyone today: Join in, try it out, look around the digital world."
Source: Bitkom
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