People Know How has published an article considering the problem of digital exclusion and how it should be combated, with particular focus on COVID-19. This study forms a call to action, seeking to begin a conversation on tangible structural change.
Changing the mindset
At People Know How we've been running projects to combat digital exclusion for over five years. As part of our COVID-19 emergency response we have been running a computer delivery project, collecting unwanted old devices, refurbishing them, and getting them out to people in need. We then offer phone support for set up and internet connection, and in some cases this has led to us to match them with a befriender or arrange regular wellbeing calls. The project has been well received and we're on track to deliver over 1,000 devices to homes across Edinburgh and East Lothian. We’re pleased to be supporting people in this way, but we want to use our experiences to support a campaign for digital equity.
Prompted by this, our most recent article ‘Combating Digital Exclusion’, advocates for a change in mindset around digital skills and technology. Its author Jack Liddall contextualises the issue within the “bigger picture” and goes on to propose steps that could be taken to remedy the situation.
- Jack Liddall
The article paints a vivid image of the shift in mindset necessary using the infamous framework of Maslow’s Hierarchy. This hierarchy, frequently pictured as a triangle, places our basic physiological needs at the bottom. Moving up, the following tiers are safety and security, love and belonging, esteem and self-actualisation at the pinnacle. Liddall critiques those who place these elements on the second highest tier of the hierarchy, alongside luxury items that are considered to contribute to self-estimation. He advocates instead for them to be seen as a necessity, further down the hierarchy.
Posing solutions
What differentiates this study from others is the tangible solutions that are proposed in the second half. These are presented as possible routes to explore, approaching the issue from a variety of angles. From government initiatives and manifestos, to rethinking how we supply and access broadband, to coordinating across sectors, these solutions lead to one clear call to action – to get involved in this conversation, work together, and bring about real structural change.
We’re opening up the discussion and want to hear your thoughts. Contact us now at contactus@peopleknowhow.org or join our social innovation network to stay updated with the debate.