- Four in 10 Brits lack confidence when using tech
- Less than half are completely confident using a laptop
- A fifth have lied about their skills in job interviews
- A quarter of Brits are embarrassed by their tech skills
- A third want to learn more about tech but don’t know where to turn
Research has found that over four in ten Brits (41%) lack confidence using basic technology, leaving 23% feeling left behind.
Only 53% of Brits are completely confident they can use a smartphone, and less than half (46%) can operate a laptop or computer with total confidence, despite almost three-quarters of Brits (71%) using one in their daily routine.
The study, conducted by ultrafast broadband provider, Trooli, also revealed that many Brits struggle with completing simple day-to-day tasks. A quarter of Brits don’t know how to pay for things on their phone, over a third (36%) cannot build a basic PowerPoint presentation, and 23% are unable to check their broadband speed.
Brits are feeling the impact of this, with four in 10 admitting their lives would be better if their tech skills improved. Yet, many don’t know where to turn for help, with almost a third (31%) admitting they want to learn more but are not sure where to start.
This is affecting Brits’ relationships, with over a fifth (21%) communicating less with friends and family and almost a quarter (23%) feeling left out because of their poor tech skills. This isn’t just a problem for older generations, either. A quarter of Gen Zs and Millennials feel isolated because of their tech skills.
Careers are also suffering, with 25% of Brits missing out on roles because of their lack of tech know-how. Meanwhile, almost a fifth (18%) have resorted to lying about their IT skills when applying or interviewing for a job.
This is leading to a growing sense of shame, with almost a quarter (22%) feeling embarrassed about their skills. A further fifth admit they’ve been mocked about their tech skills.
It’s no surprise then that a quarter have cried over their poor tech skills, whilst almost a third (29%) have lashed out at a loved one due to tech frustration.
Commenting on the findings, Andy Conibere, CEO of Trooli, says: “We work with our customers every day to help them get the very best out of their online experience. So, we were sad to discover just how many people around the country are suffering because of their lack of technology skills.
“The research shows that many Brits simply don’t know where to turn for help. We don’t think anyone should feel alone or ashamed when it comes to their technology skills. So, we’ve put together a handy guide for people looking to brush up on basic skills that can help them unleash their full potential both at work and at home.”
Find out how to improve your tech skills.
