Digital inequality in Finland: Access, skills and attitudes as social impact mediators

In recent years, digital health care and social welfare services have been spreading rapidly and partly replacing face-to-face services, particularly in developed countries. This may lead to a pronounced digital inequality. This population-based study of Finnish adults (N = 4495) examined the associations of offline resources with perceived benefits from online services and the mediating effects of access, skills and attitudes in these associations. The results indicated that those with lower personal, economic and social offline resources perceived online services as less beneficial. This was largely explained by poor access to the services, poor digital skills and negative attitudes towards online services. To increase equality, it would be important to improve Internet access and digital skills and implement means to address negative attitudes, especially among vulnerable groups. Moreover, online health and social welfare services should be designed to be more inclusive.

Automated summary

The rapid expansion of digital health care and social welfare services may result in digital inequality. This population-based study in Finland found that individuals with lower personal, economic, and social resources perceived online services to be less beneficial, primarily due to poor access, digital skills, and negative attitudes towards these services. To promote equality, it is important to improve internet access and digital skills, and address negative attitudes, especially among vulnerable groups. In addition, online health and social welfare services should be designed to be more inclusive.