The Digital Divide and Feeling Left Behind

Walking through the Thursday market in Hay or taking a stroll along the Wye, it’s easy to feel that some things never change. We value our local community, our bookshops, and the face-to-face conversations that make our town special.

However, in the last few years, a quiet shift has taken place. Whether it’s booking a GP appointment, checking a bank balance, or even paying for parking, more and more of our daily life has moved "online." For many of us in Powys and Herefordshire, particularly if you didn't grow up with a smartphone in your hands, this shift can feel less like progress and more like a barrier.

In the tech world, they call this the "Digital Divide." But you don’t need to use the jargon to know what it feels like. It’s that moment of frustration when a service you’ve used for forty years suddenly requires an app, a password, and a "security code" sent to a device you aren't quite sure how to use.

What is the Digital Divide?

At its simplest, the digital divide is the gap between those who can easily access and navigate the internet and those who cannot. In a rural area like Hay, this divide usually happens for three reasons:

• Connectivity: For example, when you can’t get a signal because you’re deep in the Elan Valley or somewhere in the Black Mountains.
• Cost: The price of broadband contracts and the latest devices can be a significant hurdle.
• Confidence: This is the most common barrier. Technology moves fast, and the fear of "pressing the wrong button" or falling victim to a scam is enough to make anyone want to keep their computer switched off.

Why Staying Connected Matters

It isn't just about being "techy" for the sake of it. Staying connected is about maintaining your independence.

• Healthcare: With the NHS increasingly using digital tools for prescriptions and appointments, being online helps you manage your health from the comfort of your living room.
• Family: You can’t beat face-to-face contact, but when the grandchildren are away at university or living across the country, a video call is the next best thing to being there.
• Saving Money: Sadly, the best energy deals and shopping discounts are often "online only." Bridging the gap can actually keep more money in your pocket.

You Don't Have to Do It Alone

The digital world can feel like a foreign country where you don’t speak the language. But just like any other skill, it’s much easier to learn when you have someone nearby to show you the ropes, someone who speaks plain English, not "computer-speak."

That’s why I offer local IT support here in Hay. I believe that technology should serve you, not the other way around. Whether you need help setting up a new tablet, making your home Wi-Fi reach the back room, or simply want a patient walkthrough of how to use email safely, I’m here to help.

Let’s Get You Started

Bridging the digital divide doesn't mean you have to become a computer expert overnight. It’s about making sure you have the tools and the confidence to keep doing the things you love in an increasingly digital world.

If you’re feeling stuck with a device or simply want to explore what the internet can do for you, please get in touch. I offer friendly, one-to-one support tailored specifically to your pace and your needs.

Drop me a message via the Contact Form or give me a call on 01497 543795. Make sure the modern world works for you.