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Digital access for people affected by poverty
02.12.2024 Eight practical ways to support individuals facing poverty in Switzerland: these are the key insights from a recent project at BFH, led by Professor Dr Emanuela Chiapparini and her team.
People affected by poverty often live on the margins of society. When they are also excluded from the digital sphere, their isolation deepens. Based on a BFH project focused on fostering digital skills among those experiencing poverty, we outline eight key measures to ensure everyone can participate in an increasingly digitalised world.
1. Accessible entry points
Easy access to digital devices and reliable internet is essential for individuals in poverty. Internet cafés often serve as valuable hubs, especially when trained staff are available to assist. Social services could also provide devices or connect users to support networks.
However, inaccessible or overly costly devices and platforms that lack user-friendliness often lead to frustration rather than integration if no adequate knowledge and support are available.
2. Flexible learning with support
Tailored training formats that address everyday needs, such as online banking, job applications or internet searches, are vital. Ideally, these should be delivered by professionals and peers alike, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
Training sessions that are overly theoretical, lack clear goals or fail to connect with participants’ daily lives are less effective.
3. Affordable or free education options
The cost of digital integration initiatives is a major factor for individuals in poverty. Free or low-cost educational programmes lower barriers to entry and reach more participants.
Such programmes should focus on building on existing skills rather than framing them as merely “catching up”. A strengths-based approach helps individuals see their own abilities and potential for growth.
4. Clear and simple information
Poverty-affected individuals need straightforward access to digital information about available support services. Social welfare staff must have an overview of these offerings to guide people to the help they need.
Overly complex platforms or apps, and digital tools that lack clear instructions or opportunities to ask questions, tend to confuse rather than assist.
Understanding poverty
In 2021, the Swiss Conference for Social Welfare estimated the poverty threshold at CHF 2,289 for individuals and CHF 3,989 for a family of four with two children under 16. Most cantons adhere to these guidelines. However, such numerical thresholds often overlook broader realities, including wealth disparities and those living just above these limits. Professor Dr Emanuela Chiapparini adopts a broader definition, aligned with the Federal Statistical Office’s resources on poverty and deprivation:
poverty affects individuals whose income is insufficient to secure a stable and independent livelihood. This goes beyond basic needs such as food and housing. Those who cannot access medical care, heating, clothing, education, social networks and, increasingly, digital tools and services at all or without making sacrifices in other areas are also considered to be living in or at risk of poverty.
As digital and online interactions become central to societal and professional life, ensuring digital access is crucial to tackling poverty comprehensively.
5. Small wins and motivation
Progress encourages learners: quick successes and positive experiences are key to building confidence and motivation. Digital tools should clearly demonstrate their value and be as intuitive and user-friendly as possible.
Conversely, overly complex or text-heavy content, frequently changing interfaces, and apps that only work on the latest devices can be barriers to progress. Many in poverty lack up-to-date technology and may have negative past experiences with education, which can quickly lead to feelings of failure.
6. Promoting social connections, not isolation
Initiatives should encourage people in poverty to connect socially and seek support from others. Personal interaction, be it at an internet café or during face-to-face counselling, helps combat isolation and fosters inclusion.
Focussing solely on digital services without a social component is counter-productive, as it can increase the risk of loneliness for some.
7. Safe experimentation and building trust
A supportive environment is critical for learning digital skills. It allows individuals to experiment at their own pace and build self-confidence. The ability to ask questions and receive immediate feedback and support enhances trust in digital tools,
while unresolved questions during the learning process can lead to frustration and insecurity. It is important to create a space where mistakes are part of the learning journey and free of judgement.
8. Supporting mental health
Poverty is not just about financial deprivation; it often causes stress across many aspects of life: joblessness, navigating social services, juggling multiple jobs, less time for family and friends, an uncertain future, lack of time for professional development, etc. These pressures can negatively impact mental health.
Digital tools and apps can offer meaningful support, but they should never completely replace personal interaction. Many people find human connections invaluable for their well-being.
