A recent report by a group of academics known as the “Oxford Internet Institute” suggests a growing number of people are simply not interested in joining the “Digital World”.

An estimated 17 million people over the age 15 in Briton are not using the internet.
Shock-Horror-Probe.

Many over 50’s for example say it would hinder their ability to enjoy the real world. To get on with the activities they value highly. They’re not concerned about missing out on the sheer wealth of information that could be at their fingertips through a few mouse clicks and keystrokes.

“I know a lot of friends, they’re hooked on the damn thing” says one woman.

The destruction of family life as we know it is often cited as a good reason to shun the online world. The loss of personal communication skills is another. We spend too much time Twittering, sending emails, instant messages, and Facebook updates, and not enough time on face to face plain old talking to one another. Even phone calls are in decline in favour of SMS text messages.

Many people have privacy concerns, “”You just have to say your postcode and they know everything about you. I’m just not interested.” says one.

And then there are the self confessed Luddites.
“Computers are like a Rubik’s cube,” a former teacher says. “Once you start to make a mess, and you don’t know what you’re doing, all you do is make a bigger mess.”
So true, so true. PC repair shops thrive on these people.

The UK Government has for some time now been moving more and more services online and encourages citizens to use these facilities. File your tax returns online, pay your council tax, renew your library books, car tax, insurance. Given the governments keenness to cut down on public spending we can expect this trend to grow.

For those determined to stay “offline” life could start to get difficult as government tries to force people to switch by offering more limited alternatives, especially in areas such as health care.

Martha Lane Fox, the governments ‘Digital Inclusion Champion’ says
“I don’t think you can be a proper citizen of our society in the future if you are not engaged online.”

For those determined refuseniks, life is about to get difficult.

Thanks to BBC News Magazine