A recent research by Nominet shows that 42% adults can comfortably complete basic digital tasks. The survey respondents were asked to recognise icons like WiFi, settings and menu, and perform tasks like downloading apps, accessing online maps, building a website, uploading video clips and making online transactions.

The research also discovered that digital competency decreases with age. Only 46% of those born between 1965 to 1980 were found to be digital-savvy while only 23% of baby boomers generation were able to accomplish such digital tasks. The study also gleaned into the extent of digital incapability, which included people who were unable or unwilling to engage in digital activities.

Nominet looked into the level of optimism about technology and its benefits and found that older generations are less optimistic, with only 56% of adults thinking that they would benefit from technology. With most of our political and world leaders belonging to this age group, the results make it clear that there needs to be a big change in attitude. Children, on the other hand, seemed more open to emerging technologies.

CEO of Nominet, Russell Haworth, points out that many are in danger of being left behind. “While younger generations may be willing to adopt new technologies and look optimistically to the future, some older members of society remain reluctant to change”, he says.

Nominet’s Digital Futures Index has been launched to encourage a brighter digital future in the UK. The company behind the .UK internet infrastructure will be working alongside academic scholars, government officials to identify factors required to direct the UK towards a successful digital future.