British Computer Society Report 40% Of Britons Shop Online

British Computer Society Press Release 05/09/04

New results from a British Computer Society survey into the nation's computing habits reveal that Britain has become a country of computer buffs, with about three quarters of the adult population able to demonstrate some experience through access to a computer at home or work; while 80 per cent of us now believe that computers have made a positive contribution to our lives.

The survey, undertaken to establish the level of IT literacy of the British public, found that 73% of respondents using a computer, do so to surf the internet, thereby dismissing concerns that junk email, computer viruses and on-line fraud have irreparably tarnished the computer's image as a force for good. Furthermore, 57% of those using the internet do so to purchase goods and services, thus demonstrating a growing confidence in e-shopping.

However, frustration with the complexity of IT together with concern over immoral internet content was voiced by 54 per cent and 72 per cent respectively.

But concerns that computer users spend hours glued to their PC screens was also dispelled: only 34 per cent of those questioned use their PC for more than 5 hours a week.

David Clarke, BCS chief executive attributes the upsurge in the nation's computing confidence to a growing social focus on the importance of computer literacy, backed by the upsurge in available IT training from employers. "The widespread availability of computing courses means anyone can brush up on their IT skills at any time. The BCS's European Computer Driving Licence computing skills qualification, for example, has already seen over one million candidates register as a growing number of employers demand IT user qualifications from new employees."

However, the report also highlights the significant proportion of adults who are in danger of being marginalised as the government gears society up for the information age. Although 59% of respondents have a home PC, a concerning 26% have no access to a PC whatsoever, whether at home, work, college or a public library, suggesting the IT revolution is in danger of leaving behind a quarter of the population.

David Clarke concluded, "It is clear that not everyone is experiencing the benefits of computing, despite the government's aim to ensure every home has access to a PC. This is an area which must be addressed. The BCS, for example, is shortly introducing the e-Citizen training qualification which focuses purely on the PC as a communications and information access tool. We see it as essential that all of society is able to use a computer with the same confidence as the telephone."

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