Despite expressing trust in digital technologies (95 per cent agreement), concerns regarding data privacy and misuse persist among the general public, with 89 per cent desiring greater control over their data.
A recent survey by Itihaasa Research and Digital looked into how people in Bengaluru are using digital technology. They found that many folks aren't using digital tools for learning or work. The survey talked to 1,640 people from different parts of the city, as reported by The Indian Express.
Here's what they found:
Most people (75%) haven't used digital tech for learning. And almost 80% haven't watched educational videos online.
Only half of the people surveyed have full-time jobs. The most common work-related digital activities are making calls on WhatsApp and sending emails, but only about 9% of people do these things.
Not many people are using government platforms, either. Only about a third use Aadhaar, and even fewer use the IRCTC railway ticketing platform.
However, IT professionals use these platforms more, with over 80% using Aadhaar and around 76% using IRCTC.
Krishnan Narayanan from Itihaasa attributed the limited adoption of government apps among the general public to interface and design deficiencies, hindering user experience. Notably, online activities such as UPI-based financial transactions and online shopping exhibited lower adoption rates, with a pronounced gender disparity in UPI-based digital payments.
Despite expressing trust in digital technologies (95 per cent agreement), concerns regarding data privacy and misuse persist among the general public, with 89 per cent desiring greater control over their data. Moreover, apprehensions regarding the impact of digital technologies on job security and the proliferation of fake news garnered widespread consensus.
In light of these findings, the report recommended policy interventions aimed at enhancing digital literacy and fostering public-private partnerships to facilitate digital training initiatives. Encouraging proficiency in basic digital activities, such as digital payments and online shopping, was emphasized as essential for stimulating digital creation and employment opportunities.