Issue Unequal technology adoption deepening social divides and isolation

Summary

Over the longer term, the report warns that fast but unequal adoption of technology could deepen socio-economic divides and aggravate social problems such as human isolation and weaker social cohesion. Today 9% of UK families already lack essential digital tools and 46% of people over 75 do not use the internet. Heavy social media use is linked to poorer wellbeing, including more depression, anxiety and feelings of isolation. Older citizens, rural communities and lower-income groups may lose access to important services because digital platforms are harder for them to reach. In its AI chapter the report also suggests that wider use of AI could worsen global inequality because of unequal access to and ownership of technology.