Office of Communications (Ofcom) (return to blog) Blog

The 2010 Digital Participation Metrics Bulletin provides a clear, straightforward series of measures about digital participation. Designed as a useful reference point for stakeholders, it follows the Digital Britain Report framework of reach, breadth and depth as its primary categories.

The findings for reach show that while 90% of those aged 16-24 say they use the internet (anywhere), only 22% of those aged 75+ do so. 19% of non-users of the internet say they have asked someone else to use the internet for them in the last year, with females twice as likely as males to say they do this.

In relation to breadth of use, 31% of internet users say they don’t visit new sites, and 37% only carry out up to 5 out of 17 types of internet activity. Older people, those on low incomes, and people with a disability are more likely to be narrower users.

Looking at depth of use, 44% of internet users say they have set up a social networking site profile, and 22% say they have signed an online petition. 59% say they are confident about installing security features.

The social and economic impact of digital participation is illustrated with 55% of internet users feel that being online has led to more contact with friends and family. 65% of internet users feel they have made significant savings online in the last six months. The report also shows that 20% of those without the internet say they are likely to get it within the next year. That number rises to 46% for people aged 25-34 without the internet.

Measures are also provided by a variety of sub-groups of the UK population, including age, gender, socio-economic group, devolved nation, low income, unemployed, rural and urban, ethnic minority group, and disability. The report uses data from Ofcom’s Technology Tracker and Media Literacy Tracker and can be accessed on the Ofcom website.