Mario Canseco: B.C.'s digital divide persists post-pandemic

Different age groups of people from British Columbia have varying approaches, towards shopping and the potential risks associated with it as revealed by a recent survey.

The pandemic was expected to bring about a wave of connection in British Columbia; however some aspects remain unchanged as we transition back, to the workplace and school. More than half of the people living in British Columbia are actively participating in online activities multiple times, per week. These activities include sending emails (76%) browsing websites or blogs (71%) using instant messaging services (67%) checking banking details (62%) and searching for deals (52%).

In British Columbias internet landscape changes are noticed in online activities. More residents are searching for directions to places they need to go (47%, an increase of eight points) while fewer are actively posting on media (32% a decrease of five points). Additionally there is an uptick in those sharing pictures or videos (27%, up by one point) making online purchases (24% up by one point) and utilizing VoIP services for calls (22% down, by one point).

During the months of 2021 when the "third wave" of COVID hit us hard and travel was restricted. it was understandable that people were not keen to plan trips to destinations anymore Now that restrictions have eased up and travel is possible again there hasn't been a noticeable change, in online shopping habits.

There is an age difference when it comes to online shopping on e commerce platforms; only 21% of individuals aged 18 to 34 from British Columbia buy items online "once a month or less " compared to 31% of those aged 35 to 54 and 50% of those aged 55 and above showing the trend of less frequent online purchases, among older age groups during the pandemic compared to younger generations.

Over the few months, in British Columbia half of the residents (50% a decrease of three percentage points) have experienced concerns either occasionally or frequently regarding the security of their personal information being compromised online.

In 2021 and now still holds true that the majority of people in British Columbia feel at ease looking up baking information online (86%) shopping online (86%) and giving to charities online (70%). However we tend to be more cautious, about posting in a forum that asks for our email address (53%).

British Columbians aged 55 and above feel as comfortable as individuals when it comes to various matters except for online shopping. A notable distinction, in preferences emerges here! While half of those aged 18 to 34 and 47% of those aged 35 to 54 express being " comfortable" buying items online; only 29% of the older age group share the same sentiment.

In the past personal encounters play a role in causing this hesitation to act upon certain situations or offers online. It's common for people in British Columbia with 54 percent overall and 59 percent of those 55 and above to receive emails promising money in exchange for assistance. Similarly phishing emails are an annoyance across the province with 61 percent of the population affected and 68 percent, among individuals aged 55 and over.

It's unlikely that we'll ever completely eliminate scams and phishing emails from our inboxes; however there seems to be a gap between generations in how they perceive these threats. Young adults in British Columbia aged 18 to 34 individuals who have grown up in a world of connectivity tend to be less concerned about potential risks when navigating the internet. On the hand those aged 55 and above are noticeably more apprehensive especially when it comes to issues related to privacy breaches and are more prone to receiving emails that could result in significant consequences, with just one click.

Mario Canesco serves as the president of Research Co.

The findings are from a survey completed online between November 15 and 17 in the year 2024 with 800 adults in British Columbia that represent the population accurately based on census data for age groups and gender across different regions of British Columbia.The margin of error is 3.% and the survey results are considered reliable within a range of plus or minus 3.% for about 19, out of every 20 times surveyed.