Why 70% of Young People cannot search the internet

n today’s digital age, the internet has become an essential part of our lives.

For young people, especially, it offers vast opportunities for learning, connecting, and even building careers.

However, while most young people in India are familiar with using the internet for basic tasks, there is a stark gap when it comes to leveraging its full potential for more complex activities.

This digital divide is not just about access but about the quality of internet use.

A recent report by Business Insider highlights some eye-opening statistics from the National Statistical Office (NSO) survey.

While 84.2% of young people reported being able to use the internet, only 28.5% can perform three essential tasks: searching for information, sending or receiving emails, and conducting online banking transactions.

This raises concerns about whether our youth are equipped with the digital literacy they need to navigate an increasingly tech-driven world.

What is Digital Literacy?

Digital literacy goes beyond the ability to use the internet for basic functions like browsing or social media.

It involves the capability to understand and use digital tools effectively for more advanced purposes, such as:

• Searching for reliable information: The ability to critically assess and find useful content online is crucial in an age of misinformation.
• Communication: Sending and receiving professional emails is a basic requirement for most jobs.
• Online financial transactions: Being able to perform online banking or digital payments is key for financial independence and participation in the digital economy.

Unfortunately, less than a third of young people between 15-29 years can perform these essential digital tasks.

Even more concerning, only 40.6% of young people can perform online banking transactions, a critical skill in today’s cashless economy.

The Pitfalls of Superficial Internet Use

So, what are young people doing online if they aren't engaging in these complex tasks?

For many, the internet serves as a platform for entertainment—scrolling through social media, watching videos, or playing games.

While these activities have their place, over-reliance on such superficial use prevents young people from developing the skills they need to thrive in the digital economy.

This lack of digital literacy can have long-term effects:

• Missed Opportunities: The internet is a treasure trove of knowledge, but without the ability to search for information effectively, young people miss out on self-education opportunities.
• Employment Barriers: Many jobs require basic digital skills such as email communication and handling online transactions. A lack of proficiency can become a significant obstacle to employment in various sectors.
• Financial Exclusion: As India increasingly shifts toward digital payments and banking, those who cannot perform online banking transactions are left behind in the financial ecosystem.

Why Digital Literacy is Critical for the Future

With the rapid advancements in technology, particularly in areas like Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and automation, future jobs will increasingly require digital proficiency.

Coding, online communication, and financial transactions are becoming the norm in every profession, from medicine to marketing.

Even jobs that are not traditionally considered "tech-heavy" are integrating digital tools into daily workflows.

In states like Goa, where 65.7% of young people can perform complex tasks such as searching the internet for information, sending emails, and conducting online transactions, we see the potential of a digitally literate generation.

However, in contrast, other states like Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala have lower percentages, and the national average stands at a worrying 28.5%.

How to Close the Digital Literacy Gap

To ensure young people can leverage the full potential of the internet, we need:

Better Education: Schools must go beyond teaching basic computer skills and introduce students to more advanced digital tools and problem-solving techniques.

Awareness Programs: Parents and educators should encourage young people to use the internet as a learning tool, not just for entertainment.

Public and Private Initiatives: Governments and organizations need to invest in digital literacy programs, especially in underserved areas.

In a world where the internet holds the key to education, employment, and financial independence, digital literacy has become non-negotiable.

Young people need to move beyond superficial scrolling and develop skills that will allow them to search for information effectively, communicate professionally, and participate in the digital economy.

Only then can we ensure that India’s youth is equipped to succeed in an increasingly digital future.

The challenge ahead is not just to provide internet access but to empower young people with the tools and knowledge to use it to their advantage. By doing so, we can bridge the digital literacy gap and unlock the true potential of our youth.

This article emphasizes the need for digital literacy among young people, highlights the current gaps, and offers solutions to equip them for the future.

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