faz.net
2.8 Million Germans Remain Offline in 2024
In 2024, approximately 2.8 million people aged 16-74 in Germany had never used the internet, with the highest percentage among the 65-74 age group (12%), compared to an EU average of 5% and significantly lower rates in countries like the Netherlands and Sweden. This reveals a substantial digital divide.
- How does Germany's digital divide compare to other European countries, and what factors contribute to these differences?
- The disparity in internet usage highlights the challenges of integrating technology into an aging population and the varying levels of digital infrastructure across nations. Germany's 4% offline rate, while lower than some EU nations, underscores the need for improved digital literacy programs, particularly among older adults. The global offline population of roughly 2.6 billion people further emphasizes the global scale of this digital divide.
- What is the extent of internet usage in Germany, and what are the immediate implications of this digital divide for the population?
- In Germany, approximately 2.8 million people aged 16-74 remained offline in 2024, representing 4% of this age group. This digital divide is most pronounced among the 65-74 age group, where 12% had never used the internet. This contrasts with the EU average of 5% and significantly lower rates in countries like the Netherlands and Sweden.
- What long-term societal impacts might result from the persistent digital divide in Germany, and what strategies could effectively address this issue?
- Germany's relatively high offline rate, even compared to other developed nations, suggests that current digital inclusion efforts may be insufficient. Future initiatives must address the specific needs and challenges faced by older adults and those in regions with limited access. The continuing gap between online and offline populations demands a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to bridge this divide.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introduction highlight the number of people offline, which sets a negative tone from the start. While the article presents factual data, the framing emphasizes the problem of offline individuals rather than exploring the potential reasons or providing solutions. A more neutral framing might focus on digital inclusion or internet access.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral. Terms like "Abstinenzler" (abstainers) could be considered slightly loaded, implying a negative choice. Alternatives like "individuals without internet access" would be more neutral.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on the number of offline individuals in Germany and makes comparisons with EU averages and global statistics. However, it omits discussion of the reasons why individuals may be offline. This lack of context regarding socioeconomic factors, digital literacy, accessibility issues, or individual choices limits a comprehensive understanding of the issue. Including this information would provide a more nuanced and informative analysis.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a clear dichotomy between online and offline individuals, without exploring the spectrum of internet usage. Some individuals might use the internet infrequently or for limited purposes. Acknowledging this spectrum would provide a more accurate representation of digital inclusion.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a digital divide in Germany, with 2.8 million people aged 16-74 lacking internet access. This disparity disproportionately affects older age groups (12% of 65-74 year-olds), exacerbating existing inequalities in access to information, services, and opportunities. The comparison with EU averages and other countries further emphasizes this inequality.