‘Everyone has internet access now’: five digital poverty myths, busted

At its outset, the internet may have been seen as a ‘nice-to-have’ home luxury, however, in 2024 being digitally connected is an essential – those who aren’t online are being left behind …

For many of us, the internet is now a mainstay of our waking hours. Whether at work or play; home or out and about; on our phones, laptops or desktops, many millions of us are almost constantly connected – and we assume that it’s the same for everyone else.

But the reality is that for people experiencing poverty, digital access is a luxury, and when they have to go without it they are often left isolated and excluded from large parts of life. There needs to be considered and conscientious action to ensure that people who are struggling to get by can still be digitally connected. Keen to learn more? Here are five common digital poverty myths, busted …