Bielefeld University

Background: Unequal access to the internet, which is often referred to as one dimension of the ‘digital divide’, has been a matter of concern since the emergence of the internet as a global phenomenon. Despite a decline in the inequality of internet access across Europe over time, disparities in opportunities to benefit from extended connectivity in the digital realm persist, and are becoming increasingly salient.

Aim: This data summary provides a descriptive overview of the extent to which digital connectivity permeated the life of younger Europeans, who are often labelled as ‘digital natives’. It also examines to what extent they can actually rely on digital skills to benefit from digital connectivity, and whether they experience social inclusion as well as new digital stressors, such as online harassment and scamming or increased blurring of boundaries between life domains. Based on existing conceptualisations and investigations of the digital divide we pay specific attention to gender, educational, regional (rural-urban) and European differences.

Data: The report relies on existing representative cross-national surveys that cover EU member states, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom and available survey questions on digital connectivity, skills, inclusion, and digital stressors. Both available information over past and current patterns is provided to gain at least some insights into time trends.

Results: The descriptive results show that the majority of young Europeans have access to the internet and are frequent users but that differences in digital skills, opportunities and stressors involved in the digital transformation persist even for the younger generation. In particular, the report identifies an educational and regional digital divide. In addition, northern European countries appear to be at an advanced stage in terms of infrastructure and equality. One limitation of the report is that it does not take into account more recent technological innovations, such as the use of artificial intelligence and required skills, which have not yet been measured in existing representative European surveys.