Internet usage in Luxembourg before and after the pandemic
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Statec recently released an infographic that provides an insightful overview of internet usage trends in Luxembourg and across Europe, particularly emphasising the changes observed before and after the pandemic. STATEC is the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Their focus is to collect, analyse, and disseminate statistical information across various domains, including demographics, economy, and social trends.
Here are the key highlights from the report:
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Increased Internet Usage
The use of the internet in Luxembourg was already high in 2019 at 96%, but it further increased to 99.4% by 2023, placing Luxembourg at the forefront of the EU27. This reflects a broader trend towards digitalization, intensified by the pandemic’s impact on work, education, and social activities.
Educational Disparities in Internet Usage
The gap in internet usage based on education levels has significantly narrowed. In 2019, 93% of individuals with lower education levels used the internet, which increased to 99% in 2023. This suggests efforts to bridge the digital divide are yielding results, making internet access more universal across all education levels.
Digital Administration and E-commerce
The report notes a significant increase in the number of internet users who have downloaded or printed official documents, from 50% in 2019 to 85% in 2023. This could be indicative of a shift towards more online government interactions.
While e-commerce usage has increased across the board, it did not grow among those with lower education levels and individuals aged 65 to 74 years. This indicates financial limitations and a preference for traditional shopping methods in these groups.
Senior Citizens and the Internet
The percentage of residents who have never used the internet fell from 2.9% in 2019 to just 0.4% in 2023. Seniors, in particular, showed a significant decrease in non-usage, from 13% in 2019 to 2% in 2023. This shift suggests that digital literacy among older populations is improving, potentially due to increased necessity or availability of targeted training programs.
Daily Internet Use
Daily internet use has increased across all age groups, particularly among those aged 55 to 64, where daily connectivity rose from 76% before the pandemic to 89% in 2023. However, despite increases in daily internet use among less educated internet users, a significant gap remains compared to more educated users. This points to a persistence of digital inequality in terms of usage frequency and possibly the sophistication of use.
Conclusion
The pandemic has evidently accelerated digital adoption in Luxembourg, with high levels of internet usage across the board. The reduction in the digital divide, especially in terms of education levels and among senior citizens, highlights the successful implementation of initiatives aimed at increasing digital literacy and access. However, disparities in e-commerce adoption and the frequency of internet use suggest that further efforts are needed to make the digital world accessible and beneficial for all societal segments. The trend towards increased online administrative interactions indicates a move towards a more digitally efficient society, potentially leading to increased productivity and accessibility of government services.
At MyConnectivity, consumer protection is a critical subject, and we are deeply committed to maintaining our efforts in this area. Following our recent Advisory Community event in September 2023, which focused on consumer protection, we are eager to continue our work in educate, inform and sensitise consumers. Stay tuned for our next updates!
You can access and download the report here: Internet use before and after the pandemic
